Divrei Simcha on Parshas Beshalach 5767

This week’s parsha is most well known for Az Yashir, the Song at the Sea. The Sea of Reeds opens for the Jews and swallows the Egyptians. Upon seeing our oppressors dead on the shore, we sing a beautiful song. Ever think, what is so special about a song?

Songs are a very important part of Judaism. Our great Sages tell us that when we daven, we should use a tune and sing our prayers. On Shabbos, one of the highlights of our meals is the Shabbos Z’miros (special songs). What would Simchas Torah be without singing? In Pirkei Avos it says that we should “Love Work”, and the Tiferes Yisroel (one of the greatest commentators on the Mishna) says that a great way to train yourself to love work is by singing while you work. “Whistle While You Work” was not a concept that began in 1937; the Jews started it. And one final example: if you go to one of my favorite websites, www.chesedclub.com, you will be greeted with music. So what is so special about music?

Let me begin with another question: ever listen to a drum solo? Personally, I think it is very boring. Once, though, I heard a drum duet, and it was very exciting. The reason is because it was more than just one person banging away. In my humble opinion, I think this teaches us the key to why music is so special. A song is not just one person playing an instrument. A song is made up of numerous people playing harmoniously together. The power of a song is that it is not an individual; it is a group making sounds together.

And this is the power of the Jewish people. We are all one. So how do we reach this level of being harmonious with our fellow Jews?

I would like to share with you a secret from a band named Phish. Phish, a rock band in the 80s and 90s, were known for their long jam sessions when they were on the stage. This ability to hold long jam sessions did not happen overnight. When they practiced, they used to have one of the band members start playing a tune. The other band members would then need to match that tune on their own instruments. When finally the whole band was playing the same tune, they would shout “Hey” and a different band member would start playing a different tune. Then all of the members would have to match the new tune. This would continue for long periods and that is how they learned to play together.

I think there is a great lesson in this on how we can learn to live with others. We have to realize that we may be playing a different tune than other people are playing. We need to change our tune to match theirs so we can be harmonious. Sometimes, we need to step back and let others lead the way. Let us all learn to harmonize with others and b’ezras Hashem (with G-d’s help), we will stand together as one in peace in Yerushaliyim.

Good Shabbos!
-yes
Any questions or comments should be sent to [email protected]. Thank you!

By Rabbi Yaacov Seltzer
[email protected]
(305) 652-0186