love cont..

May 3, 2007 Iyar 15,5767
In my last blog ,we were dealing with the question of the superiority of the love that comes from appreciating one’s character as opposed to mere attraction. The Mishneh in Ethics of the Fathers chapter 5 M.16 states that a love based upon a tangible item can become lost when the item is lost . For example Amnon coveted Tamar and attacked her. Afterwards, he hated and shamed her. Whereas King David loved Jonathan and vice versa, even under duress and after many years . Therefore, the Mishneh concludes that a love that is not based upon the flesh will never be lost.
This is strange. The love of a mother for her children seems much more intangible than the love of one patriot for another such as David and Jonathan. So why mention a lesser love when talking about long lasting love?
The answer is obvious. We cannot become a child if we weren’t that person’s flesh and blood to begin with . Therefore , if you wish your love to last, try to make it like David’s for Jonathan instead of Amnon for Tamar.
We are surrounded with images upon the tv the magazines , even on the internet. What do we usually see in the presentation of a formally dressed man vs.. a formally dressed woman?
The man is usually covered by a nice suit that covers all body parts. The women are exposed . The neckline is low and suggestive and the dress is usually short and revealing.This is the image that girls receive from people who desire to exploit women . Every girl grows up thinking that in order to attract a mate she must be revealing of her flesh. The man on the other hand can be unattractive , physically,
As long as he is dressed as if he can provide.
This is what the Mishneh is telling every man and woman! If you use the wrong bait , then the attraction will not be more than just for a fleeting moment. You want your love to be strong 20 years from now? Look into yourselves and learn to share the same values and work for the same goals .