Song of Songs, that beautiful, sensual, often enigmatic book of the Bible, gives us a clue. Chapter 8, verse 8, poses a curious question: “We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day that she will be spoken for?” This seemingly simple verse becomes a launching pad for a powerful discussion in Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a rabbinic commentary on the Song of Songs.
"We have a little sister" – according to Rabbi Azarya, speaking in the name of Rabbi Yehuda bar Rabbi Simon, this "little sister" is none other than Israel. But what does it mean that she "has no breasts?" The metaphor implies a certain lack, a vulnerability, perhaps even immaturity.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Imagine a future time. The princes of all the nations gather before the Holy One, blessed be He, and they’re not happy. They’re pointing fingers, making accusations. "Master of the universe," they say, "these engaged in idol worship, and those engaged in idol worship. These engaged in licentiousness, and those engaged in licentiousness. These shed blood, and those shed blood! So why are they (meaning us, the nations) descending into Gehenna – hell – while those (Israel) are not?"
Talk about awkward! The nations are essentially saying, "Hey, we all messed up! We all did the same bad things! Why is Israel getting a free pass?" It's a question of fairness, of divine justice.
So, how does the Holy One respond? He points them back to the verse: “'We have a little sister' – just as with a child, no matter what he does no one reprimands him; why? Because he is a child." Think about it: a child can make a mess, break things, even act out, and while they might face some consequences, the response is different than it would be for an adult. There's a layer of understanding, of patience, of willingness to forgive and guide.
But it doesn’t end there. The Holy One continues, explaining that even when Israel is "tainted by their iniquities all the days of the year," Yom Kippur arrives and atones for them. As Leviticus 16:30 states, "For on this day He shall atone for you." Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, becomes the ultimate reset button, a chance for renewal and forgiveness.
So, what are we to make of this? Is it really saying that Israel gets a free pass? Is it suggesting a double standard in divine justice? Perhaps not. Maybe it's highlighting the unique covenantal relationship between God and Israel. A relationship built on love, forgiveness, and a constant striving for betterment. The "little sister" may stumble, but she's always held close, always given the opportunity to learn and grow. It's not about escaping consequences, but about the enduring promise of redemption, the constant possibility of return – of teshuvah. And maybe, just maybe, that offer extends to all of us, in different ways, at different times.