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Man and Woman


It is a mistake to consider man and woman two separate beings. They are no more than two halves of a single form, two converse hemispheres that fit tightly together to make a perfect whole. They are heaven and earth encapsulated in flesh and blood.

It is only that on its way to enter this world, this sphere was shattered apart. What was once the infinity of a perfect globe became two finite surfaces. What was once a duet of sublime harmony became two bizarre solos of unfinished motions, of unresolved discord.

So much so, that each one hears in itself only half a melody, and so too it hears in the other. Each sees the other and says, "That is broken." Feigning wholeness, the two halves wander aimlessly in space alone.

Until each fragment allows itself to surrender, to admit that it too is broken. Only then can it search for the warmth it is missing. For the depth of its own self that was ripped away. For the harmony that will make sense of its song.

And in perfect union, two finite beings find in one another infinite beauty.

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Based on letters and talks of the Rebbe, Rabbi M. M. Schneerson   More articles...  |   RSS Listing of Newest Articles by this Author


From the wisdom of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, of righteous memory; words and condensation by Rabbi Tzvi Freeman. To order Rabbi Freeman’s book, Bringing Heaven Down to Earth, click here.

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Sep 19, 2011
Women outnumber men?
The Torah has exactly the answer for this non-problem. And R' Gershon's g'zeira no longer overcomes it!
Posted By Scionofzion, Far Rockaway, NY/USA

Posted: Dec 30, 2009
Man and Woman
This is absolutley beautiful and it describes so well the love my husband and I shared once we found one another.
Posted By Lesley Hubbard, Laurel, MD USA

Posted: Apr 5, 2009
That is beautiful. Shalom!
Posted By Anonymous, UK

Posted: Dec 20, 2008
Man And Woman
I am searching for my "rib" but this time in an inteligent manner. By that I mean core values have to be demonstrated and it is no longer the best looking woman but rather the best woman I can find. You have to shop around. Well, I hope this works but certainly it can't fail completely! Or can it?
Posted By sam, castro valley, CA

Posted: Dec 11, 2008
Shidduchim Crisis at large
I agree with the person who wrote two post up from me that there surely is a match-finding crisis especially so in the Religious world, and the Jewish leaders need to address this problem in a comprehensive way - like a major campaign. A new set of standards for men especially need to be made, and a support system to meet one another needs to be in place. Thanks for the article though. Its quite brilliant~
Posted By Anonymous

Posted: Dec 11, 2008
MAN AND WOMAN
As a handwriting analyst who uses the tool of graphology to help couples recognize each other and understand better their differences, I find this article refreshing, succinct and well explained. I look forward to more of your wisdom. Mazel Tov!
Posted By Roxanne Perri, Delray Beach, Florida

Posted: Dec 11, 2008
Man and Woman
It's really beautiful what I just read...

Nevertheless, why does the number of single Jewish women in this world outnumber the men? why so many female souls, suffer from loneliness, unfulfilled dreams, and reach the mature age without ever finding the "right" one? where's the other half?
Posted By Anonymous, Murfreesboro, TN/USA

Posted: Dec 11, 2008
Moving
This was quite touching; I feel blessed anew to have the man I have.
Posted By Anonymous, NY, NY

Posted: Feb 24, 2008
man and woman
Obviously YOU aren't married...
Posted By Milander

Posted: Nov 9, 2006
Man and Woman

What a beautiful way to describe this relationship between man and woman. Thanks.
Posted By Ab Yang, St Paul, MN



 


Essays & Insights
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The Spousal Put-Down
The Ten Commandments of Marriage
Man and Woman
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