It turns out, those repetitions are often there to teach us something deeper, something we might otherwise miss. Take the curious phrase "ish ish" – "a man, a man" – in the context of a wife who strays. Why not just "ish," a man?

The passage in Bamidbar Rabbah 9 delves into this very question, and the answers it offers are fascinating. It all centers on the concept of the sotah, the woman suspected of adultery. The verse in question (Numbers 5:12) literally reads, "If any man's wife strays and is unfaithful to him..." But the Rabbis ask, why does it say "ish ish"?

One interpretation suggests that the adulterous woman is betraying two commitments. First, she betrays her husband, the man who entrusted her with his very essence. The text delicately phrases this as "his body," alluding to his seed. Second, and perhaps even more profoundly, she betrays the Holy One, blessed be He, who commanded "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:13). The verse even reminds us of the harsh consequences: "The adulterer and the adulteress shall be put to death" (Leviticus 20:10).

But wait, how is God involved in this marital betrayal? Well, Bamidbar Rabbah reminds us that God Himself is referred to as "ish," a man, as in "The Lord is a Man of war..." (Exodus 15:3). So, the "ish ish" highlights that the woman is betraying two "men": her husband and God.

The text draws a powerful analogy to the laws of property and honesty, connecting this marital betrayal to a violation of trust in financial matters. As we find in Leviticus 5:21, "A person who will sin, and commit a trespass against the Lord, and lie to his counterpart [regarding a deposit]..." The Rabbis infer a fortiori – that is, if betraying a financial trust is akin to betraying God, how much more so is betraying the sacred trust of marriage?

The sotah, therefore, isn't just violating her marriage vows; she's denying a fundamental covenant with God. As Proverbs 2:17 poignantly puts it: "Who forsakes the husband of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God."

But the interpretation of "ish ish" doesn't end there. The Rabbis, in their wisdom, offer another, more practical lesson. The double "ish" also teaches us about forbearance in our homes. What does this mean?

Imagine this: wine spills, oil splatters, a garment rips. In those moments, the Torah urges us to be patient, to be understanding. The commentary quotes Proverbs 8:21, "to bequeath substance to those who love me," suggesting that God can provide wealth, so there's no need for a harsh reaction over spilled wine. Likewise, "And I will fill their storehouses" (Proverbs 8:21) and "the Lord will fulfill all your wishes" (Psalms 20:6) offer comfort in times of domestic mishaps.

But here’s the crucial turning point: if you hear something concerning your wife's fidelity, the Rabbis say, then "rise like a man." Be strong. Be decisive. "To the one to whom you are a man, be a man." The double "ish ish" is a reminder that while we should be forgiving and patient in the face of minor issues, we must also be willing to stand up for what is right when faced with serious transgressions.

This duality, this call for both forbearance and strength, is what makes this interpretation of "ish ish" so powerful. It’s not just about adultery; it’s about how we conduct ourselves in our relationships, how we balance compassion with integrity, and how we honor both our commitments to each other and our covenant with God. It’s a reminder that being a "man" – an ish – requires both gentleness and resolve, depending on the situation. It's a complex and beautiful lesson tucked away in a seemingly simple repetition.