But in the ancient wisdom of Shir HaShirim Rabbah, the Song of Songs commentary, we find just that: the humble lily as a powerful metaphor for the enduring spirit of Israel.

Rabbi Avun, a sage from long ago, paints a vivid picture. He says, imagine a lily. When a scorching wind blows, it withers, doesn’t it? But then, when the gentle dew arrives, it bursts back into bloom. He connects this directly to the experience of the Jewish people. As long as the "shadow of Esau" – often interpreted as representing oppressive forces throughout history – looms large, Israel seems diminished, shriveled in the world. But Rabbi Avun assures us that when that shadow finally passes, Israel will blossom and flourish. He draws on the prophet Hosea (14:6) to underscore this point: “I will be like dew to Israel; it will blossom like a lily.”

But what sustains this potential for renewal? What keeps the lily – and Israel – alive even when it seems to be fading? Rabbi Avun continues his beautiful analogy. Just as a lily retains its value through its fragrance, even when it’s not in full bloom, so too does Israel endure through mitzvot (commandments) and good deeds. It’s not just about outward appearances; it’s about the inner essence, the moral and spiritual core that remains constant. In other words, it's the perfume of Zohar" target="_blank" rel="noopener" class="source-link">tikkun olam that keeps us going.

There’s a sense of purpose woven into this image, too. Rabbi Avun states that just as the lily exists only for its fragrance, so too, the righteous were created only for the redemption of Israel. This might sound like a huge responsibility, but it's a reminder that even small acts of kindness and justice contribute to a larger purpose.

And it doesn’t stop there. Just as the lily graces the table of kings from the beginning to the end of the meal, so Israel exists both in this world and in the World to Come. It's a testament to the eternal nature of the Jewish people, a continuous thread connecting past, present, and future.

The lily also stands out, doesn't it? Conspicuous among the grasses. Similarly, Israel is meant to be conspicuous among the nations, a light unto the nations. As the prophet Isaiah (61:9) says, “All who see them will recognize them.” There's a call to be distinct, to stand for something, to live according to a different set of values.

Finally, Rabbi Avun says that just as the lily is designated for Shabbatot and festivals, so too is Israel designated for the future redemption. This links the present moment to a hopeful future, a time of ultimate peace and fulfillment.

Rabbi Berekhya adds another layer to this floral metaphor. He tells us that the Holy One, blessed be He, said to Moses: 'Go say to Israel: My children, when you were in Egypt, you were like a lily among the thorns. Now that you are entering the land of Canaan, be like a lily among the thorns, pay attention that you will not emulate the practices of these or the actions of those.’ He reinforces this with a verse from Leviticus (18:3): “You shall not emulate the practices of the land of Egypt in which you lived, and you shall not emulate the practices of the land of Canaan where I am bringing you…”. Even in freedom, the challenge remains: to maintain one's distinct identity, to avoid being consumed by the surrounding culture.

So, what does the lily teach us? It’s a reminder of resilience, purpose, and the importance of staying true to one's values, even in the face of adversity. It's a call to cultivate that inner fragrance of good deeds and mitzvot, to stand out as a beacon of hope, and to always look forward to a brighter future. Next time you see a lily, remember this ancient wisdom, and consider what it means to be a lily among the thorns.