The allegorical interpretation of the Song of Songs and its role in a dispute over the canonical status of the book

The lecture undertakes an issue of an allegorical interpretation of the Song of Songs in connection with the controversy over the canonicity of the book. Although according to the tradition the decisive voice is attributed to Rabbi Akiva, there were various interpretations of a key expression of Mish Yad. III 5,הידים מטמאיל את הידים. The phrase may be translated as “render the hands unclean [or impure]/ defile the hands” and it was seen as a terminus technicus for canonical status. Rabbi Akiva is one who used the allegorical interpretation in support of the canonicity of the book. However, it is not clear how he interpreted it and what he meant saying that it is Holy of Holiest (קדש קדשים). Regarding the controversy an important issue is if the allegorical interpretation contributed to its canonical status or if it was only a result of its canonicity. I aim to present the beginnings of the allegorical interpretation of the Song of Songs basing on the findings of contemporary scholars and exploring the original texts.