Life is an Allegory

The Rama (OC 490:9) writes that it is customary to recite Shir Hashirim on Shabbat Chol Hamoed Pesach. The Magen Avraham explains the custom based on the fact that the Exodus is alluded to in Shir Hashirim (1:9): “At the gathering of the steeds of Pharaoh's chariots have I silenced you, my beloved.” This appears to be a reference to the Jewish People’s silence as they reached the Red Sea, which we read about and commemorate on the 7^th Day of Pesach. The Sefas Emes suggests a different approach. He notes that according to Rashi and other commentators, the entire book is an allegory that refers to the relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael throughout history. Sefas Emes suggests that all of life is on some level an allegory, and the interpretation of our lives (like Shir Hashirim) can only be fully understood in the context of God’s existence and our mandate to serve Him. Too often we get caught up in the literalness of our lives. We focus on what is in front of us and get bogged down in the mundane and inconsequential; instead of seeing past the obvious to focus on what is really important and of consequence. The story of the Exodus teaches us that all of the characters, especially Pharaoh, were mere actors in a drama produced and directed by Hashem. The same is true of our lives, though perhaps our scripts are less dramatic. Shir Hashirim teaches us that there are lessons to be learned from every experience. Shen we are confronted with challenges, we are not supposed to only solve the problem. It is legitimate, even encouraged, to view that challenges, that problem, that experience, as an allegory and a teachable moment. Figuring out what we are supposed to be learning from these experiences is not an exact science. But thinking in these terms, ie that there is more to grapple with and to learn from our experiences beyond the surface level, is one of the great lessons of Shir Hashirim.