When I sat down to write
these remarks, I could not help but think of a fascinating passage in the
Talmud, the foundational book of the Jewish faith. What the Ancient Rabbis of
the Talmud often did was interpret or even reinterpret a biblical verse, and
find in it additional meaning.
In this passage, they
discuss a verse Jews recite twice a day: “And you shall love the Lord your
God.” Now, on its surface, the verse seems pretty straightforward and simple.
Love of God is foundational to the faith. One would expect devout adherents of
the faith, like Wynter and Eric to love God. And, I think those who know Wynter
and Eric, can attest to their love of God.
The Rabbis say that it has
an additional meaning, “that you shall make the name of Heaven beloved.” How
should one do so? One should do so, “in that he (should) read and learn.” OK,
those are really important in Judaism, but how does that help make God beloved?
The Rabbis continue, “And he should be pleasant with people...” OK, that sounds
nice, but how does that make God beloved.
Simple, say the Rabbis.
Whether justified or not, people connect your faith to your behavior. If you
are an unpleasant person, they say, “It must be his faith.” Conversely, if you
are a pleasant person, they say, “It must be her faith.” So by behaving well
towards others you cause your faith and by extension your God to be loved or
conversely not so.
When Wynter and Eric
contacted me, before I even met them, I knew they were the type of devout
people who cared for others, and it showed. They were planning their wedding,
but they were thinking not just of themselves, but of others too.
While it was important to
them to have a Jewish wedding, it was as important to them to have a wedding
that their guests would feel comfortable attending. This is how you make God
beloved.
What we hope and wish for
you, Wynter and Eric, is that you continue to make God beloved, not only today,
but throughout what we pray will be a long and love-filled marriage.
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