By Zanna Linskaia
Valentine Day is a Christian celebration of love, beginning from 14
century. However, the real history of this holiday unknown. Over the
years, myths and legends of it sprang up – as Valentine secretly
performed Christian marriages for Roman troops or he was
imprisoned in Rome waiting for execution and sent to his beloved a
card that ended “from your Valentine”.
Through the centuries, many famous poets and writers mentioned
this symbol of love in their poems and prose including “Romeo and
Juliette” by W. Shakespeare.
But we, Jews, have our own love story long before human beings fell
in love – the story of Adam and Eve.
As told in Bible, Adam and Eve were the first humans, created by G-d
on the 6 th day of Creation and ancestors to all humankind. Initially
dwelling in the Garden of Eden, the serpent enticed them to eat an
apple from the Tree of Knowledge. This sin led them to be banished
from the Garden and invoked Divine punishment of them and their
offspring.
The name Adam comes from Hebrew word –adoma-eath, also related
to word edamer-similar, similar to G-d of High. The Hebrew name of
Eve-Chavah derives from the word chai-life, for she was the mother of
all living people.
Regarding this story, Jewish nation should be grateful for sin and
mess up by Adam and Chavah, otherwise we will not be here in this
world! If sin is so beautiful and unforgettable, perhaps we should
continue to sin and celebrate this historic moment in modern time?
Not in vain, Rabbi due the wedding ceremony wishes to new weds-
“Pru U rvu”- fruitful and multiply”!
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