The circumcision of desire. It's hard to trace with any precision, the moment when a new idea makes its first appearance on the human scene,

especially one as amorphous as that of love, but love has a history. There's the contrast we find in Greek and then Christian thought between Eros and Agape,

sexual desire, and a highly abstract love for humanity in general.

There's the concept of chivalry that makes its appearance in the age of the Crusades,

the Code of Conduct, the prized gallantry and feats of bravery to win the heart of a lady.

There's the romantic love that makes its appearance in the novels of Jane Austen.

And there's the moment in Fiddler on the roof where exposed by their children to the new ideas in

pre-revolutionary Russia.

Tevia turns to his wife, Golda, and the following conversation ensues,

do you love me? I'm your wife. I know, but do you love me?

Do I love him? For 25 liars, I've lived with him, fought with him, starve with him, 25 years.

My bed is it?

If that's not love, what is you love me i suppose i do the inner

history of humanity is in part the history of the idea of love and at some stage a new idea makes

its appearance in biblical israel we can trace it best in a highly

suggested passage in the book of one of the great prophets of Israel, Hoshire, Hosea.

Hosea lived in the 8th century B.C.E. The kingdom had been divided since the death of Solomon.

The northern kingdom in particular where Hosea lived had lapsed after the death of Solomon. The Northern Kingdom, in particular, where

Hosea lived, had lapsed after a period of peace and prosperity into lawlessness, idolatry, and chaos.

Between 747 and 732 BCE, there were no less than five kings, the result of a series of

intrigues and bloody struggles for power.

The people too had become lax. The prophet says there is no faithfulness or kindness and no

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