Take the line, "Your eyes are like doves." What could that possibly mean?
Shir HaShirim Rabbah, a classical midrashic commentary on the Song of Songs, doesn't take things literally. It dives deep, offering a beautiful and multi-layered interpretation of this verse. In fact, the Rabbis see this verse as a metaphor for the Sanhedrin, the ancient Jewish high court. "Your eyes," the text says, "these are the Sanhedrin, who are the eyes of the congregation." Because, just as our bodies rely on our eyes to navigate, so too did the community rely on the wisdom and guidance of the Sanhedrin. As it says in Numbers 15:24, "It shall be, if from the eyes of the congregation…"
The Midrash then expands on the dove imagery itself, drawing parallels between the characteristics of a dove and the qualities of the Jewish people. Just as a dove is flawless, so too is Israel graceful in their walking when they ascend on the occasion of the pilgrim festivals. The text elaborates, in some versions, that just as this dove is flawless, so is Israel flawless in its faith, and just as the dove is graceful, so is Israel graceful in its walking. The act of pilgrimage, of going up to Jerusalem for festivals like Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot, was seen as an expression of faith and grace.
The Midrash doesn't stop there. It continues, just as the dove is distinguished, so too is Israel distinguished regarding shaving, circumcision, and ritual fringes – the tzitzit. Just as the dove is chaste, so too, is Israel chaste. And here's a powerful one: Just as the dove extends its neck to be slaughtered, the same is true of Israel, as it is stated: "For we are killed for You all day" (Psalms 44:23). This isn't meant to be morbid, but rather an acknowledgment of the sacrifices Jews have made throughout history for their faith.
Then comes an idea that might surprise you: Just as the dove atones for iniquities – and it’s true, doves were sacrificed as sin offerings – so too, Israel atones for the nations. How? Through the seventy bulls sacrificed on Sukkot, which, according to tradition, correspond to the seventy nations of the world. The goal is that the world should not be desolate of them, as Psalm 109:4 says: "In return for my love, they accuse me; I am prayer.”
The Midrash continues to unpack the dove metaphor: Just as the dove, once it becomes familiar with its mate, does not exchange it for another, so too Israel, from the moment that they became familiar with the Holy One, blessed be He, they did not exchange Him for another. Talk about loyalty!
And how about this image: Just as the dove enters its nest and recognizes its nest and its cote and its fledglings, its chicks, and its openings, so are the three rows of Torah scholars when they sit before them – before the Sanhedrin – listening intently, each one recognizing his designated place. It's a picture of order, dedication, and profound learning.
Even in times of hardship, the dove analogy holds true. Just as the dove, even if you take its fledglings from beneath it, it never forsakes its cote, so too Israel, even though the Temple was destroyed, they did not abolish the three annual pilgrim festivals.
And finally, just as each and every month, the dove renews the product of its cote, so too, each month, Israel renews its Torah and good deeds. It's a constant cycle of learning, growth, and renewal.
The Midrash even touches upon the idea of gathering and returning. Just as the dove dispatches many on foot to gather food and returns to its cote, the same is true of Israel. "They will stir like a bird from Egypt," says Hosea 11:11, referring to the generation of the wilderness, "and like a dove from the land of Assyria," referring to the Ten Tribes. But both, the verse promises, "I will settle them in their homes, the utterance of the Lord."
Rabbi adds a fascinating detail: There's a species of dove where if one is fed, its counterparts smell it and come to it in its cote. Similarly, when an elder is sitting and expounding Torah, many proselytes convert at that moment. Think of Yitro, Moses' father-in-law, or Rahab, who helped the Israelite spies in Jericho. They heard and came. The same happened with Hananya, Mishael, and Azarya – many proselytes converted at that time. Why? Because, as Isaiah 29:23 says, "When he sees his children… [who will sanctify My name]," those of misguided spirit will attain understanding (Isaiah 29:24).
So, the next time you see a dove, remember this Midrash. It's a reminder that even the simplest of images can hold profound meaning, reflecting the beauty, resilience, and unwavering faith of the Jewish people. It's a reminder that like the dove, we too are called to be graceful, loyal, and ever-renewing in our connection to Torah and to each other. What does the image of the dove evoke in you?