The Torah touches on this very human act in some surprising ways.
We find a fascinating exploration of brotherly love, and the significance of a kiss, in Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Exodus. It all starts with a seemingly simple verse from Exodus 4:27: "The Lord said to Aaron: Go toward Moses to the wilderness. He went, and he met him at the mountain of God and he kissed him."
The Rabbis, in their insightful way, ask: what kind of brotherly relationship does this kiss represent? They tie this moment to a verse in Song of Songs 8:1, "If only you were as my brother [who nursed from the breasts of my mother; I would find you outside, I would kiss you]." But which brother are we talking about here?
Shemot Rabbah runs through a list of less-than-ideal brotherly relationships, discarding them one by one. Could it be like Cain and Abel? Absolutely not. "Cain rose against his brother Abel and killed him!" That's hardly a model of brotherly affection. What about Ishmael and Isaac? Nope. "Ishmael hates Isaac," we're told. Then there's Esau and Jacob: "Esau hated Jacob." And what about Joseph and his brothers? "They hated him," and "His brothers envied him." Not exactly kiss-worthy scenarios, are they?
Instead, the Rabbis suggest that the relationship between Moses and Aaron is like that of Joseph and Benjamin. What makes this so special? "Who nursed from the breasts of my mother." Joseph and Benjamin shared the same mother, Rachel. This shared maternal bond created a unique connection. And it's this kind of deep, familial love that mirrors the reunion of Moses and Aaron, culminating in that kiss on the mountain.
Now, the Rabbis don't just leave it there. They delve into the meaning of kisses in general. They teach us that "All kisses are indecent except for three: The kiss of greatness, the kiss of separation, and the kiss of reunion."
A "kiss of greatness" is one of respect and honor, like when "Samuel took the vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him" (I Samuel 10:1), anointing him as king. A "kiss of separation" marks a parting, like "Orpah kissed her mother-in-law" (Ruth 1:14) before leaving. And of course, the "kiss of reunion," as seen with Moses and Aaron, celebrates a joyful coming together.
Interestingly, some even argue that "Even a kiss of closeness is not disgraceful," pointing to "Jacob kissed Rachel" (Genesis 29:11), his relative, as an example.
Shemot Rabbah even shares a story told by Rabbi Pinḥas, about a brother and sister living in different towns, Gush Halav and Beit Maron. When a fire breaks out in the brother's town, the sister rushes to him, embracing and kissing him. She explains, "I am not accustomed to come to you [and to kiss you], but I was afraid, as you are my brother and were in distress, and you emerged from it." This intimate, yet innocent, moment encapsulates the protective and loving bond between siblings.
Ultimately, the Rabbis bring us back to the verse in Song of Songs: "I would find you outside, I would kiss you" (Song of Songs 8:1). Where is this "outside"? It's in the wilderness, where Moses and Aaron, brothers reunited, share that profound and meaningful kiss.
So, what does all this tell us? Perhaps it's a reminder to cherish the bonds we have with our siblings, our family. To recognize the power of a simple gesture, like a kiss, to express love, respect, and connection. And maybe, just maybe, to see the sacred in the everyday moments of our lives.