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This week's Torah portion, Parashat Beshalach, contains the climax of the story of our people's redemption from Egypt. After all of the great signs and wonders from God, and after all of the ten plagues have been brought upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians, we finally reach the moment of the splitting of the sea and of our freedom!
As soon as the people of Israel are safely across to the other side of the sea, and they witness the destruction of Pharaoh and his army, they begin to sing the song of praise to God which we call "the Song of the Sea." Thus, this Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shirah, or the Sabbath of Song.
Why do the children of Israel break out into song at this exact moment? This is the way that they express their pure, unadulterated joy.
There are some moments in life when we feel so grateful, so jubilant, and so filled with happiness that we cannot share our joy with words alone. Music and song become a necessity!
What do we do at all happy occasions; weddings, bar/bat Mitzvahs, new births, and Jewish holidays? All of these moments are enhanced with music - voices and often instruments.
This is the lesson we learn from Moses, Miriam and the children of Israel. We should not be afraid to demonstrate our joy with music and song. These are the product of our passion, our intensity, and our faith!
When the children of Israel sang this song they too were showing their faith, in addition to their joy and relief.
Music can express all of this and more. Singing gives us the opportunity to celebrate with faith, gratitude, and happiness!
Let this Shabbat Shirah be infused with music and joy for all of us.
Shabbat Shalom!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
[email protected]
917-696-0749
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