This week's Haftorah, from the book of Hoshea, opens with rebuke but concludes with reassurance. After describing the painful consequences of Israel's betrayal, the Navi shifts to a vision of hope and renewal. At the very end of the Haftarah, we find a threefold declaration of enduring commitment:
וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי לְעוֹלָם, וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בְּצֶדֶק וּבְמִשְׁפָּט וּבְחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים. וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי בֶּאֱמוּנָה, וְיָדַעַתְּ אֶת ה, And I will betroth you to Me forever; and I will betroth you to Me with righteousness and with justice, with kindness and with mercy. And I will betroth you to Me with faithfulness, and you shall know the L-rd (Hoshea 2:21–22).
This posuk, which is recited when donning tefillin, is not only a promise—it is a covenant, a spiritual kiddushin (betrothal) between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Navi Hoshea, whose own personal life mirrors the turbulent relationship between Hashem and His people, delivers a message of ultimate reconciliation and enduring love.
The Ahavat Yehonatan, citing Sefer HaMikneh, explains that the sanctity of Jewish marriage is a reflection of the national covenant and commitment of Hashem and His nation. Just as Hahsem sanctifies us as His people with righteousness, justice, kindness, mercy, and faithfulness, so too are these the foundations of a holy marriage.
This is why, in the blessing of erusin, our Sages instituted the words: מקדש עמו ישראל על ידי חופה וקידושין, Who sanctifies His people Israel through chuppah and kiddushin. This blessing is not merely ceremonial; it affirms that every Jewish marriage echoes that original, eternal covenant between Hashem and His people.
May we strengthen our relationships, human and Divine, with the qualities Hashem promises us: tzedek, mishpat, chesed, rachamim, and emunah—so that we too may say, with confidence and conviction, וְאֵרַשְׂתִּיךְ לִי לְעוֹלָם—we are eternally betrothed to You.
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