The proposal

From the moment I started thinking about proposing to Karin I knew exactly where and how I was going to do it. Once I decided to propose, it took me quite a long time to execute my plan because suddenly it seemed impossible to find the right ring. Eventually, after visiting many stores and deceiving my future wife for longer than enough I decided that the ring I'm looking for does not exist, bought the diamond I wanted and went to a jewelry designer to create the ring I had in my mind.

I proposed to Karin on a mountain top in the middle of the Negev desert. As mentioned before, I chose the location a long time ago but miraculously, the date was also perfect. There are plenty of symbols in the date, the location and the manner of the proposal so I'll describe them all shortly:

Geographically - I proposed on a hike to a mountain because that's how we originally met. I proposed in the Israeli desert because it's a place we both admire.

Historically - The mountain I chose is called "Har He'Chalak". It's mentioned in the bible (Joshua XI and XII) as a point on the border of biblical Israel. Consequently, throughout history it held importance regarding laws that take place only in Israel. For an example, even today it's forbidden for religious Jews in Israel to cultivate their land every 7th year (Shnat Shmita). However, beyond that ancient border there's no such prohibition and thus farmers who live in the Arava enjoy exclusive privilege in the market every 7th year. In my proposal I described that significance of the location and offered Karin to "cross" the ancient historical and cultural border together with me and enter Israel as an engaged couple.

Calendrical - I didn't plan that but the proposal hike was on the Jewish holiday of 'Shavuot'. That holiday hold 2 very significant meanings that relate directly to us and our relationship. In 'Shavuot' religious Jewish people celebrate receiving the 'Torah'. Beside being a part of the bible, 'Torah' also means a set of laws and normative rules. The people of Israel, who fled Egypt, were a nation of former slaves, who needed the burden a new frame of laws and restrictions. A marriage is also a new set of laws and restrictions. Purely accidentally, the 'Torah' was received on Mt. Sinai (Hor Ha'Har) which is today believed to be Mt. Zin. Mt. Zin is clearly visible from Mt. 'HeChalak'. Moreover, in 'Shavuot' religious Jews read the scroll of Ruth. The story of Ruth is a story of a non-Jewish girl who ended up marrying a Jewish man (need I state the obvious relation). By the way, the great grandson of Ruth and Boaz was king David .. I wonder..

When proposing, I tried to unfold the elaborate set of symbols before stating my actual intention (I even read out loud from the book of Joshua). I knew that at the moment I mention the engagement Karin will reboot herself and completely forget all that I've said. Naturally, when I finally revealed my intention behind what seemed to be a lecture about religious customs and historical events Karin completely forgot all that I've said. Hopefully, this blogpost will also serve as a reminder of things, rightfully discarded as clatter in the shadow of a marriage proposal.