A Level Higher
However, as we have discussed, there is a further level of connection, that which cannot be commanded and cannot be expressed in words - the tremendous love that lies within a kiss. Throughout Leil Haseder we fulfill many mitzvos, some min haTorah and some mi’d’rabanan. However, at the very end of the seder, after Nirzah, when essentially we can all go to sleep - that is when the greatest love and deepest intimacy is present. Whereas other things can be commanded or instructed, a kiss is rendered meaningless if asked for or instructed.
There is no mekor, neither in niglah nor in nistar for the minhag of reciting Shir haShirim at the end of Leil Haseder. Rather this is a spontaneous act following a wonderful and great night of connection ahavah and dveykus, when we simply cannot get enough of Hashem. Rather than drop off to sleep, we grab hold of Him, embrace Him, sing out from a place deep, deep within, “yishakeyni mi’neshikos pihu ki tovim dodecha mi’yayin”. And while kissing Hashem, we receive a kiss in return.
(The ideas in this article are based on the yesodos of the Nefesh Hachaim, Rav Shimshon Pincus, the Zera Shimshon, and other s.)
