What's love got to do with Passover?

On the first night of Passover, there is a tradition to read the Song of Songs at the Seder.

Most people know the Song of Songs as a love story between a man and a woman. The rabbis interpreted the book as a love story between the people of Israel and God.

What does love have to do with freedom?

It was God's love that encouraged us to leave the oppressed place we call Egypt.

It was God's love that carried us through the desert protecting us at every dangerous turn.

It was God's love that provided physical and spiritual nourishment throughout the journey.

When we are in relationship with God and with each other, we are free. When we cut ourselves off from God's love, we are back in the the narrow place of slavery that constricts our hearts.

On Passover we are free to love one another.

Why not begin your Passover Seder with verses from the Song of Songs?

Arise, my beloved, my beauty, and come away. For the winter is over, the rain has passed. The buds have been seen in the land,the time of the nightingale has arrived, and the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land . . . Arise, my beloved, my beauty, and come away!