Ani le dodi sees dodi li
"I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine" (Song of Songs)
What is the relationship between this beautiful verse and the current month of Elul, and what is special about it?
"Ani le Dodi ve Dodi Li" It is part of a verse from King Solomon, "The Song of Songs" which was written thousands of years ago.
In Jewish tradition, the book of Song of Songs is not about love between two people, but about one's love for the Blessed Creator.
This verse has a great meaning according to the great Sages of the scriptures, because in this month of Elul we identify with this verse, since if we take the initials of these four words in Hebrew they form the word "ELUL" and the numerical value of the final letters add up to 40, meaning that during forty days (of the month of Elul and the ten days of Teshuva (repentance) that we have until we reach the day of Yom Kippur) repentance is received more easily because they are days of mercy "His great unconditional love"
Literally translated, it is a declaration of love and a commitment of total devotion, while ensuring that devotion is reflected in the person loved.
During the month of Elul, and especially during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the pious pray for forgiveness for the sins committed against them. This culminates on Yom Kippur, when Jews fast for 25 hours and begin a new year with strength and renewed resolve.
The verse "I am my own beloved, and my beloved is my own" underlines the commitment one has to what one loves most, the commitment to give everything! Without expecting reciprocity, without demands, without rights, just giving and being grateful for so much love!
Thank Hashem for all that you give us!
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