Embracing Ahavat Hashem: Torah Insights for Shabbat Chol Hamoed and Shevii Shel Pesach

Dedicated in loving memory of my dear husband, Shlomo Ben Rabbi Yitzchok, may his Neshama have an Aliyah and protect us all.

Good morning, dear ones! Wherever you are—at home, with family, children, or parents—I hope your Pesach is uplifting and filled with meaning. As we approach Shabbat Chol Hamoed and the special reading of Shir HaShirim from a real Megillah scroll, I want to share some Torah thoughts about love, faith (emunah), and our sacred relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

The Deep Meaning of Ahavat Hashem Through Shir HaShirim

Shir HaShirim beautifully illustrates the profound love between G‑d and the Jewish people. After our daily declaration of Kabbalat Shamayim, we strive to fulfill the mitzvah of Ahavat Hashem—a genuine love for Hashem.

While fear of G‑d instills awe and respect, love opens our hearts to give endlessly and serve with devotion. But how do we maintain this love during difficult times? Shir HaShirim guides us in cultivating a deep connection with Hashem even amidst challenges.

Shir HaShirim: Elevating Our Spiritual Connection

Shir HaShirim is one of the nine sacred songs of praise in Torah, as taught by our sages. Rabbi Akiva said, "Kol HaShirim Kodesh, v'Shir HaShirim Kodesh HaKodashim," meaning this song holds the highest level of holiness, akin to entering the Kodesh HaKodashim itself.

This elevating power is a reminder that loving Hashem is accessible through sincere devotion, much like the biblical examples of Avraham Avinu and Yaakov Avinu, who expressed supreme love and commitment despite immense personal trials.

Building a Loving Relationship with Hakadosh Baruch Hu

King Solomon teaches us that love, like a marriage, must be built through giving, kindness (chesed), and yielding (vatranut). Hashem chooses Am Yisrael as His beloved bride, and despite our shortcomings, His love never wavers.

Even in times of exile and challenge, Hashem waits patiently for us to open the door of our hearts, promising to respond with mercy and renewed closeness when we return.

From Fear to Love: Lessons from Shevii Shel Pesach

As Am Yisrael fled Egypt and faced Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, fear initially overtook them. Yet, Hashem’s guidance showed them that these challenges were steps toward ultimate redemption and blessing, including the spoils of Egypt.

This powerful lesson reminds us that in life, even when we don’t understand the reasons behind hardships, Hashem’s plan is for our ultimate good. True faith (emunah) transforms fear into love and gratitude, a theme beautifully expressed in the Shira of the Sea (Shirat HaYam).

The Power of Giving: A Modern Story of Chesed and Divine Providence

On this day of Gevurah Sheb’Chessed during the Sefirat HaOmer, I share a recent story of kindness from Elad. A family’s generosity in giving away furniture led to a miraculous blessing just when they needed it most—a reminder that giving with love brings blessings back into our lives.

Key Takeaways: Torah Lessons for Pesach and Emunah

• Ahavat Hashem is the highest mitzvah, opening our hearts to serve G‑d with love beyond fear.

• Shir HaShirim teaches us how to deepen our spiritual connection even through challenges.

• Love for Hashem requires ongoing kindness (chesed) and patience (vatranut), just like a marriage.

• Difficulties, like those faced during Shevii Shel Pesach, are steps toward ultimate redemption.

• True emunah transforms fear into love and gratitude, strengthening our relationship with Hashem.

• Giving generously, as seen in modern acts of chesed, invites divine blessings in return.

• As Pesach ends, we prepare for Mashiach by reinforcing faith with the Thirteen Principles of Emunah.

Final Blessings for Pesach and Beyond

As Pesach nears its close, we look forward to the coming of Mashiach, strengthening our faith with the Thirteen Principles of Emunah. On Shabbat Chol Hamoed, we read the haftarah about resurrection and redemption, inspiring us to deepen our emunah and ahavah.

May we all be worthy of miracles, salvations, and a beautiful, uplifting Yom Tov filled with love and closeness to Hashem.

With all my love from Yerushalayim,

Rebbetzin Chavi Golovenshitz