Midot Hayom: Day 40: Hod in Yesod

Rabbi Yehuda bar Ila’i was teaching his students and a bridal party passed by. “What is that?” he asked. “A bride is passing by,” they replied. “My sons,” he said, “ go out and gladden the bride. For we find that the Holy One , Blessed is He, concerned Himself with a bride, how much more so should we!” Where does it say that the Holy One, Blessed is He, concerned Himself with caring for a bride? In the verse, “God built – vayiven – the rib.”(Genesis 2:22 In the coastal town, braiding is called binaita – related to the word “Vayiven” – this tells us that the Holy One, Blessed is He, braided Eve’s hair and brought her to Adam. God acted as best man for Adam; ever since then a man must get his own best man. Avot of Rabbi Nathan 4:3

God did not only create a mate for Adam, He made sure that she would be attractive to her new husband as well. God serves as “Best Man” for Adam and, according to Rabbi Yehuda, in the role he made sure that every detail of this match would be perfect and glorious.

We must assume responsibility that our actions, especially those that reflect God such as Mitzvot, Torah study and prayer, are attractive to God, us and others. It is not enough to do. The deed must reflect the glory of the One for Whom the action is intended.