STAM
TORAH
TORAH
PARSHAS
BESHALACH/SHABBOS SHIRA 5779
BESHALACH/SHABBOS SHIRA 5779
One of the goals of the Nazis was to
break the Jewish spirit and to destroy all semblances of dignity.
break the Jewish spirit and to destroy all semblances of dignity.
Dignity in response to attempted acts
of physical and spiritual degradation was dramatically demonstrated in Lublin
towards the end of 1939. The German commander, Glovoznik, had forcibly
assembled the Jews in an empty field on the outskirts of the city and ordered
them in jest to sing a Hassidic melody. Hesitantly, someone began the
traditional melody “Lomir zich iberbeten, Avinu Shebashomayim – Let us
become reconciled, Our Father in Heaven”.
of physical and spiritual degradation was dramatically demonstrated in Lublin
towards the end of 1939. The German commander, Glovoznik, had forcibly
assembled the Jews in an empty field on the outskirts of the city and ordered
them in jest to sing a Hassidic melody. Hesitantly, someone began the
traditional melody “Lomir zich iberbeten, Avinu Shebashomayim – Let us
become reconciled, Our Father in Heaven”.
The song, however, did not arouse much
enthusiasm among the frightened masses. Immediately, Glovoznik ordered his
hooligans to attack the Jews since they refused to comply with his instructions.
enthusiasm among the frightened masses. Immediately, Glovoznik ordered his
hooligans to attack the Jews since they refused to comply with his instructions.
As the angry outburst began, an
anonymous voice broke through the turmoil with a powerful and piercing cry, a
distortion of the original words, “Mir velen sei iberleben, Avinu
Shebashomayim – We will outlive them, O Father in Heaven!”
anonymous voice broke through the turmoil with a powerful and piercing cry, a
distortion of the original words, “Mir velen sei iberleben, Avinu
Shebashomayim – We will outlive them, O Father in Heaven!”
Instantly, the song took hold among the
masses, until the people literally broke into a feverish dance. The assembled
were swept up by the entrancing melody full of dveikus, which had now
been infused with new content of faith and trust.
masses, until the people literally broke into a feverish dance. The assembled
were swept up by the entrancing melody full of dveikus, which had now
been infused with new content of faith and trust.
The intended derision was turned into a
disaster for the bewildered Nazis, forcing Glovoznik to order a halt to the
paradoxical spectacle.[2]
disaster for the bewildered Nazis, forcing Glovoznik to order a halt to the
paradoxical spectacle.[2]
The Shabbos when parshas Beshalach is read, is called
Shabbos Shirah. It has the distinction of being the only Shabbos of the year
that merits a special title based on the weekly Torah reading.[3]
Shabbos Shirah. It has the distinction of being the only Shabbos of the year
that merits a special title based on the weekly Torah reading.[3]
Although parshas Beshalach contains the Shiras
Hayam, the magnificent song the nation sang on the banks of the Yam Suf after
it miraculously split, it would seem that there is a deeper connection to the
concept of shira/song in the parsha. More than half the events detailed in the
parsha transpire after the shira concluded – including the sweetening of the
bitter waters, the beginning of the manna falling daily, and the epic battle
against Amalek.
Hayam, the magnificent song the nation sang on the banks of the Yam Suf after
it miraculously split, it would seem that there is a deeper connection to the
concept of shira/song in the parsha. More than half the events detailed in the
parsha transpire after the shira concluded – including the sweetening of the
bitter waters, the beginning of the manna falling daily, and the epic battle
against Amalek.
The Chiddushei Harim explains that the parsha
contains the nation’s first experience observing Shabbos. They were instructed
to gather a double portion of manna on Friday and to perform all preparations
of the manna for Shabbos beforehand.
contains the nation’s first experience observing Shabbos. They were instructed
to gather a double portion of manna on Friday and to perform all preparations
of the manna for Shabbos beforehand.
Shabbos is inherently a day of song, as the psalm
of the day states: “A psalm; a song for the day of Shabbos: It is good to thank
G-d and to sing to His Supreme Name.[4]”
of the day states: “A psalm; a song for the day of Shabbos: It is good to thank
G-d and to sing to His Supreme Name.[4]”
The Chiddushei Harim suggests that that is also an
important component in why the Shabbos when this parsha is read has the distinction
of being called “Shabbos Shirah”.
important component in why the Shabbos when this parsha is read has the distinction
of being called “Shabbos Shirah”.
The parsha that contains the shirah and details
about the ‘day of shirah’, must contain the key/prerequisite for shirah. How
does one achieve a feeling of euphoric joy that prompts a deep shirah to burst
forth from his lips?
about the ‘day of shirah’, must contain the key/prerequisite for shirah. How
does one achieve a feeling of euphoric joy that prompts a deep shirah to burst
forth from his lips?
Immediately after the nation emerged from the sea
amidst incredible unprecedented miracles, they stood facing a vast ominous
desert without provisions for basic survival. They were keenly aware of the
fact that they had just been saved from an enemy that wanted to avenge their
honor and retrieve their money and slaves. They had literally been saved from
the throes of death and humiliation. At that point, millions of people stood
unprotected in a forbidden, inhospitable land with their children, the elderly,
and everything they owned. It must have been utterly frightening. Despite the
miracles they had just experienced, how could they have sung in joyous unity at
that moment?
amidst incredible unprecedented miracles, they stood facing a vast ominous
desert without provisions for basic survival. They were keenly aware of the
fact that they had just been saved from an enemy that wanted to avenge their
honor and retrieve their money and slaves. They had literally been saved from
the throes of death and humiliation. At that point, millions of people stood
unprotected in a forbidden, inhospitable land with their children, the elderly,
and everything they owned. It must have been utterly frightening. Despite the
miracles they had just experienced, how could they have sung in joyous unity at
that moment?
The answer to those questions also answers how
anyone can one sing shirah in a world of uncertainty and vulnerability? How can
one ever reach a state of blissful ebullience to sing shirah with conviction?
anyone can one sing shirah in a world of uncertainty and vulnerability? How can
one ever reach a state of blissful ebullience to sing shirah with conviction?
The final words written in the Torah before it begins
the shirah are: “And they had faith in Hashem and in Moshe, His servant.”[5]
The key to their ability to sing despite their predicament was their unwavering
and complete faith.
the shirah are: “And they had faith in Hashem and in Moshe, His servant.”[5]
The key to their ability to sing despite their predicament was their unwavering
and complete faith.
At the end of each parsha, many chumashim have printed
how many verses were in the parsha. Then, it will add a word which has some
connection to the main theme of the parsha which has the numerical value of the
amount of pesukim in the parsha as a mnemonic device to remember how many
pesukim there are.
how many verses were in the parsha. Then, it will add a word which has some
connection to the main theme of the parsha which has the numerical value of the
amount of pesukim in the parsha as a mnemonic device to remember how many
pesukim there are.
Parshas Beshalach contains 116 pesukim. The
mnemonic word is “yad emunah – hand of faith”. The theme that traverses
the parsha is that of faith.
mnemonic word is “yad emunah – hand of faith”. The theme that traverses
the parsha is that of faith.
The conclusion of the parsha records the story of
the battle against Amalek. Rashi[6]
explains that Amalek attacks whenever there is a weakening of faith. When the
nation asked, “Is Hashem in our midst, or not?”[7]
that was the precipitating factor which allowed Amalek to instigate a malicious,
unprovoked attack.
the battle against Amalek. Rashi[6]
explains that Amalek attacks whenever there is a weakening of faith. When the
nation asked, “Is Hashem in our midst, or not?”[7]
that was the precipitating factor which allowed Amalek to instigate a malicious,
unprovoked attack.
The Torah’s detailing of the falling of the manna
also contains a potent lesson about faith.
also contains a potent lesson about faith.
Rav Samson Rafael Hirsch explains that the Torah
relates that the nation complained about the lack of food on the fifteenth of
the second month. The date is significant – it was exactly one month after the
exodus occurred. That demonstrated that this was the next significant step the
nation had to undertake following the exodus. They had been saved from slavery,
but now came the great challenge of maintaining and preserving their
redemption.
relates that the nation complained about the lack of food on the fifteenth of
the second month. The date is significant – it was exactly one month after the
exodus occurred. That demonstrated that this was the next significant step the
nation had to undertake following the exodus. They had been saved from slavery,
but now came the great challenge of maintaining and preserving their
redemption.
Rav Hirsch notes that the fear and angst of making
a living can be overwhelming. If one feels that the burden of supporting his
family and being the breadwinner falls on his shoulders alone, it is too much
to bear. In such a state of inevitable anxiety, he surely will be unable to
properly observe the Torah and grow in his commitments to serving G-d with
peace of mind.[8] In
his words, “Real or supposed hunger, and danger of hunger, makes all principles
shaky, silences all better resolutions.”
a living can be overwhelming. If one feels that the burden of supporting his
family and being the breadwinner falls on his shoulders alone, it is too much
to bear. In such a state of inevitable anxiety, he surely will be unable to
properly observe the Torah and grow in his commitments to serving G-d with
peace of mind.[8] In
his words, “Real or supposed hunger, and danger of hunger, makes all principles
shaky, silences all better resolutions.”
The only solution is to build one’s faith. When
one knows with certitude that as long as he has done his part and has made a
proper effort to provide for his family, G-d is in full control and will care
for his needs, then he can feel a sense of inner peace.
one knows with certitude that as long as he has done his part and has made a
proper effort to provide for his family, G-d is in full control and will care
for his needs, then he can feel a sense of inner peace.
This is the vital message reinforced with our
observance of Shabbos. When we desist from pursuing our personal interests on
Shabbos and remind ourselves that G-d created the world, we ingrain within
ourselves that He cares for every facet of our lives and cares for our needs.
observance of Shabbos. When we desist from pursuing our personal interests on
Shabbos and remind ourselves that G-d created the world, we ingrain within
ourselves that He cares for every facet of our lives and cares for our needs.
It was no accident that G-d led the nation into
the desert and allowed them to feel the anxiety of not knowing how they were
going to provide for their families. In that moment of despair, G-d brought
them the manna to teach them that such is the way of livelihood – It is G-d Who
provides.[9]
the desert and allowed them to feel the anxiety of not knowing how they were
going to provide for their families. In that moment of despair, G-d brought
them the manna to teach them that such is the way of livelihood – It is G-d Who
provides.[9]
Rav Hirsch adds, “On Pesach they built their homes
for G-d; on Shabbos they ‘kept’ their homes for him.” Shabbos is a day of song because it is a day
when we strengthen our faith. The greater one’s faith, the more he will be able
to live a life of song for the blessings and goodness he has been blessed with,
instead of focusing on the things he lacks.
for G-d; on Shabbos they ‘kept’ their homes for him.” Shabbos is a day of song because it is a day
when we strengthen our faith. The greater one’s faith, the more he will be able
to live a life of song for the blessings and goodness he has been blessed with,
instead of focusing on the things he lacks.
The gemara[10]
notes that planting is alluded to in a verse[11]
which speaks of faith. The gemara explains that the farmer “believes in the
Living One of the Worlds and plants.” Tosafos[12]
explains that for one to plant he must, “believe in the Living One of the
worlds and plant”.
notes that planting is alluded to in a verse[11]
which speaks of faith. The gemara explains that the farmer “believes in the
Living One of the Worlds and plants.” Tosafos[12]
explains that for one to plant he must, “believe in the Living One of the
worlds and plant”.
The process of planting entails that one takes a
seed and place it in the ground and allow it to rot. How can one allow that to
happen? Because he is confident of the process of nature, created by the Living
One of the worlds. The rotted seed will then take root and begin to produce a
mighty tree, which will eventually bear fruit that contains seeds that can
produce endless amounts of trees.
seed and place it in the ground and allow it to rot. How can one allow that to
happen? Because he is confident of the process of nature, created by the Living
One of the worlds. The rotted seed will then take root and begin to produce a
mighty tree, which will eventually bear fruit that contains seeds that can
produce endless amounts of trees.
Tu B‘Shvat is a celebration of the wonders of the
‘miraculous natural process’ of planting and growth. “Sing to Hashem a new
song; sing to Hashem the entire land.”[13]
The natural world is a manifestation of the wonders of G-d though we often
forget that truth.
‘miraculous natural process’ of planting and growth. “Sing to Hashem a new
song; sing to Hashem the entire land.”[13]
The natural world is a manifestation of the wonders of G-d though we often
forget that truth.
The more one is cognizant of the hand of G-d, the
greater is his faith. The greater his faith the more he will live a life of
endless song, even for the mundane, which will longer be mundane in his eyes.
greater is his faith. The greater his faith the more he will live a life of
endless song, even for the mundane, which will longer be mundane in his eyes.
It is an expression of heartfelt joy for all the
blessings of life.
blessings of life.
“He believes in the Living One of the Worlds”
“I will sing to Hashem for He greater than the
great”
great”
Rabbi Dani Staum, LMSW
Rebbe/Guidance
Counselor – Heichal HaTorah
Counselor – Heichal HaTorah
Principal – Ohr
Naftoli- New Windsor
Naftoli- New Windsor
[1] The
following is the lecture I delivered at Kehillat New Hempstead, Parshas
Beshalach 5778
following is the lecture I delivered at Kehillat New Hempstead, Parshas
Beshalach 5778
[3] The
Shabbos when Bereishis is read often called Shabbos Bereishis, but that seems
to be more connected with the fact that it is the beginning of the yearly cycle
of Torah reading, more than the actual parsha. There are also a few other
Shabbosos which merit special names based on an added laining, or a unique
haftorah read that Shabbos.
Shabbos when Bereishis is read often called Shabbos Bereishis, but that seems
to be more connected with the fact that it is the beginning of the yearly cycle
of Torah reading, more than the actual parsha. There are also a few other
Shabbosos which merit special names based on an added laining, or a unique
haftorah read that Shabbos.
[8] A
friend once quipped that we should not refer to making a living as the “ol
haparnasa – the yoke of livelihood” but as “pachad haparnasah – the
terror of livelihood”.
friend once quipped that we should not refer to making a living as the “ol
haparnasa – the yoke of livelihood” but as “pachad haparnasah – the
terror of livelihood”.
[9] I was
very inspired when a fellow in my shul related that every month, when he
receives his paycheck, he holds it up and thanks G-d for providing him with the
means to support his family.
very inspired when a fellow in my shul related that every month, when he
receives his paycheck, he holds it up and thanks G-d for providing him with the
means to support his family.
[11]
Yeshaya 33:6 – “And the faith of your times shall be a strength of
salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of G-d is his treasure.” The gemara (ibid)
expounds that the verse is alluding to the six orders of Mishnayos, each word
referring to a different order.
Yeshaya 33:6 – “And the faith of your times shall be a strength of
salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of G-d is his treasure.” The gemara (ibid)
expounds that the verse is alluding to the six orders of Mishnayos, each word
referring to a different order.