Shir haShirim, The Song of Songs is read in many Synagogues on Shabbos Chol haMoed.

Sometimes the meanings of the words are hard to understand. The verse says: Like a rose among the thorns (2:2), but what can this mean?

One may think that a tavern would seem to be a most unpromising place in which to serve one’s Maker. So, at least, was the conflict that raged inside a simple Jewish tavern keeper who came to pour out his heart to the holy rabbi who was visiting the village. Since he earned his living by pouring drinks for all kinds of vulgar people, and had no choice but to hear their coarse language and see their improper behavior, he was afraid that he might become common by his contact with them.

The holy rabbi smiled and said:  “It seems that you want to fulfill your function of being faithful and proper by being given a sack full of gold coins, being seated in a clean and splendid palace, dressed in silken garments with an impressive fine hat upon your head, with shelves on all sides filled with holy books — and then you will be able to serve the Almighty with your prayer and study proceeding from a clear and pure mind. But you may take my word for it: if the Holy One, blessed be He wants individuals to serve Him without any distractions or ob­stacles — why, for that he’s got hundreds of thousands of angels! The real delight that He finds in This World comes from those who are surrounded on all sides with difficulties and hardships, until it almost seems to them that they have been forced into a gutter — and even with this their minds cleave firmly to their Creator, and they anxiously yearn for the happy opportunity of one single moment when they’ll be able at last to ad­dress just a few words to Him. This longing no angel can experience! Do not complain about your livelihood. On the contrary, give thanks to Him for hav­ing given you the privilege of serving Him in this manner — to stand all day long in a place of impurity, and yet in your heart of hearts to cling to the wellspring of holiness and faith!”

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

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