In Bereishit (Genesis), the book of origins, the idea of love is first introduced in narratives of intense emotions, fierce favoritisms, and family dysfunction. In Vayikra (Leviticus) and Devarim (Deuteronomy), the Torah commands inclusive loves aiming for national cohesion and inner peace. This interactive study aims to explain the move from partisan and unrequited love to happily ever after.

Benjamin J. Samuels is the rabbi of Congregation Shaarei Tefillah in Newton, MA, earned his semikha (rabbinical ordination) from RIETS/YU and his PhD in Science, Philosophy, and Religion from Boston University. He teaches widely in Greater Boston.