Why we marry

To form a family. To have children who will continue. To create a working relationship that overcomes differences. To become one entity where love supersedes.

Even when there are differences and challenges, love allows us, enables us to persevere, to carry on a unified relationship.

Even when we disagree, we carry on. And we do so because we identify with the unique oneness within us.

We are taught that a husband and wife were part of one soul that split, two separate people born into the world. And then, when they find each other and marry, the joy of finding each other, finding our other half and reuniting, is tremendous. And that is why we dance at a wedding, as we share in the joy of the bride and groom who have found the other part of themselves and reunited.

When we received the Torah and G-d revealed His presence to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai, our sages compare it to a betrothal, as G-d united with His chosen nation. G-d is the groom, and the Jewish people His bride.

And when Redemption comes with Moshiach, the marriage and wedding ceremony is completed.

Every marriage is infused with G-d’s blessing, as the daily performance of Mitzvot (fulfilment of G-d’s commandments as detailed in the Torah) and study of His Torah brings G-d’s presence into the marriage, sanctifying it and blessing it with strength, vitality, and purpose.

And by strengthening our trust in G-d to protect and redeem us, His holy nation, His bride, we bring His blessings and strength into our lives.

So that threats of evil regimes bounce off, just as His cloud of protection deflected Egyptian arrows when we left Egypt, trapped between the sea in front of us and the Egyptian horses and chariots behind us. And Moses raised his staff, and G-d split the waters, eliminating our enemies and saving us.

Now too, we look upward to G-d, confident that He will save us. And then, past disagreements and challenges melt away, as our love shines.

Redemption is close. May we see it very soon.