Question:
What is the reason for the bride walking around the groom seven times under the Chuppah (wedding canopy)? Is it an indication of a husband's power over his wife?
Answer:
Quite the opposite. The bride, by circling the groom, expresses her awesome power over him.
The seven circuits are reminiscent of the biblical story of Joshua leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. They came to Jericho, a city known as the key to the land - if they could conquer it, the land would be theirs. But Jericho was protected by a big wall. There seemed to be no way in.
G‑d commanded the Israelites to walk around the walls seven times. As soon as they did, a miracle happened - the walls came tumbling down and they were able to conquer the city.
Similarly, every man has a wall built around his heart. Men are taught to hide their feelings, to create an impression of impenetrability, to make it seem that they have it all figured out. Men create elaborate defenses to hide any sign of weakness or vulnerability, and fiercely guard their deepest secret - that inside they are sensitive and meek, simple and soft.
But a wise woman can pierce this defensive wall. If she surrounds her husband with the protective aura of her love, if she envelops him with affection, and if she makes him feel that he is the anchor, the center, the focal point of her life, then he can feel safe and comfortable. When that happens, the walls protecting his heart come tumbling down. Then she has conquered him - all of him.
Once you find a good man, encircle him with your love, and he'll be all yours.
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