I do not celebrate Valentine’s Day. I am all for chocolate, flowers, and cards for my wife, Sarah, but I don’t observe the holiday on February 14th. I don’t celebrate it for a number of reasons. The first is the history of the holiday. The origin of St. Valentine’s Day dates back to the early-first century. February 14th became a day where early Christian martyrs who were named Valentine were memorialized for their faith. While the Roman Catholic Church did remove the historical references to martyrdom on their calendars in 1969, many today continue to observe the day based on the original events.
The second reason I don’t observe the holiday is that I don’t subscribe to any of the Hallmark holidays that have become part of our society. For the past four weeks we have been inundated with commercials and advertisements reminding us that the one day of the year when it is okay to say, “I love you” to your wife is almost here. I am all for events that stimulate our economy– florists, chocolatiers, and stuffed animal shops all do very well around this time of year– but it seems as if everyday could be deemed a holiday to observe. We now have Secretary’s Day, Boss’ Day, and Hug a Short Person Day (about which I am not sure if I observe or even have a choice!). There are endless calendar days that we celebrate, and even more that we possibly don’t even know about.
Some may think it un-American of me not to send a card or chocolate on Valentine’s Day. They might be right. However, lest one think that I am out of touch or don’t take the time to offer gifts or words of love to my wife, I offer this simple solution: Don’t take one day a year to offer love. Each week on Shabbat I offer those same words that others might think about once a year on St. Valentine”s Day.
I give flowers to my wife each Shabbat. Yes, every week.
I sometimes include a card (yes, a Hallmark one).
But I draw the line at chocolates. I don’t just give them to her for herself.
I make her share them.
This February 14th, be reminded that we should tell those we love more than once a year how much we love them. Take time each day and each week. Mark your calendar. And be sure to observe in the way you know best.
