Nathan says — "for My lovers and the keepers of My

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 6:24

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 18, 2025

R. Nathan says: "for My lovers and the keepers of My mitzvot (commandments)h": the Jews who dwell in Eretz Yisrael, and give their lives for the mitzvoth. Why are you going out to be executed? Because I circumcised my son, the Jew. Why are you going out to be burned? Because I read in the Torah. Why are you going out to be crucified? Because I ate matzoh. Why are you being given a hundred lashes? Because I took the lulav. And (Zechariah 13:6) "wherewith I was beaten in the house of my Lover"—these lashes have caused me to be beloved by my Father in heaven.

Themes

Torah Holy Land Love Commandments Kabbalah

Biblical References

Zechariah 13:6

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