Community at Temple Israel
Rabbi’s Message – January 30, 2025
Two weeks ago, we listened to two great sermons by Reverend Ward and Rabbi Bodney-Halasz over MLK weekend about what we might do when we find ourselves stuck in a holding pattern. Reverend Ward offered the image of someone, angry at God, entering services with their arms crossed, lip pursed, etc. He then spoke of how the music would still get through to them, even in that state of mind.
On Sunday, as I discussed Parashat Vaera with our religious school students, we focused on Pharoah’s hardened heart. As I spoke, that image of the grumpy, angry, service attendee came back to mind. What has the power to soften a hardened heart? Certainly, there have been times when, despite lacking kavanah, the spiritual intention we strive to have while praying, the music of age-old chanting, or newer settings, has reverberated within me.
This Shabbat is known as Shabbat Shirah (the Sabbath of Song) because it contains the Song of the Sea (Miriam’s Song). These are the words that Miriam and the women sang as they danced on the shores of freedom. With the chanting of these verses, we recall their celebration of their newfound freedom. It’s a beautiful image. While we would not have wished for the death of the Egyptians, the realization of freedom as the waters closed back to their normal flow must have been beyond cathartic. And so, with this Shabbat, we lift up Miriam and her connection to water. Miriam spiritually sustained the Israelites with her song, and we will share in that spirit together on Friday, February 7 at 6 p.m. for Share Shabbat Shirah. We hope you can join us for this special evening of music, community, and celebration! (CLICK HERE to RSVP by February 4).
Yet this year, the idea of chanting these words does not feel quite as victorious. At the time of writing this, seven hostages have been released, with hope that the remaining 26 will be released according to the agreement, without incident. After 477 days in captivity, I hope being brought home felt at least little like standing on the shores of the sea with Miriam. I thought about using that image, but as much as I celebrate the return of the most recently released hostages, there are still too many in captivity – not everyone has made it across the sea, yet. It doesn’t quite feel like it is an apt analogy
At the same time, I think about those Israelites on the shores of the sea. Egypt behind them, and wilderness in front of them. They celebrated, but they also had to know, even in that moment, that there was a great unknown ahead – that the work of becoming a free people had only just begun. But still, they celebrated this milestone. So too, we know there is a great unknown ahead to lasting peace, safety, and security for all in the Middle East, we know that journey will be arduous. I think I, we, can celebrate the release of the most recent groups of hostages while still knowing there is work to bring wholeness and peace to the region and the world.
This year, Shabbat Shirah feels more like a reminder that the journey to freedom begins with small victories rather than complete deliverance. The length of the road ahead should not keep us from celebrating the milestones we have reached. While music alone will not bring peace, I hope you will come rejoice in Shabbat Shirah with us and with the Dayton Jewish Chorale. May this be, for all of us, part of the journey towards peace and freedom for all.