Sponsored by Vicky Wu in loving memory of J.J. Greenberg, whose love for the Jewish People and for Israel continues to strengthen and inspire us every day
Parshat Vayelech (Dvarim 31:19) gives us a trailer for next week’s parsha, Parshat Haazinu:
And now write for yourselves this song and teach it to B’nai Yisrael to place it in their mouths; in order that this song will be for me a witness against B’nai Yisrael.
Parshat Haazinu is a song written in the form of a poem and also includes rebuke. Moshe calls heaven and earth to bear witness to the calamities that will befall Israel if it sins- and the joy that will come with the final redemption.
Judaism’s deep connection to song is evident throughout the TaNaCh. Aside from Haazinu, there are other songs in the Torah including Shirat HaYam, The Song of the Sea (Shmot 15) which was sung after the miracle of the splitting of the Sea of Reeds and the Song of the Well (Bamidbar 21), which was sung when the well was revealed in the desert.
In the books of the Neviim (Prophets) we find that after Yehoshua fought the Emori and had the sun and moon stand still, he sang a song (Yehishua 10). Devora sang after they won the battle against Yavin, King of Chatzor (Shoftim 5). In the Haftara for Parshat Haazinu, David sang when God saved him from his enemies and from King Saul (Shmuel II 22).
After King Shlomo finished building the Beit HaMikdash, they sang Psalm 30 “Mizmor Shir Cahnukat HaBayit L’David,” A Psalm and Song at the Dedication of the house which King David composed.
When King Yehoshaphat was saved in the war against the kings of Amon and Moav, he congregated the people together to bless and praise God (Divrei HaYamim II 20).
As well, Yishayahu sang the famous Song of the Vineyard (Yishayahu 5).
Judaism’s connection to song may have started with the Torah, but it has gone way beyond. Our liturgy includes songs that come from the TaNaCh, especially from Tehillim (Psalms) as well as piyutim (liturgical poems) and Zmirot written by different poets throughout the ages.
Jewish songs were often written in Yiddish or Ladino. Hebrew songs became popular with the revival of the Hebrew language.
After the State of Israel was established, Modern Hebrew songs became trendy and were performed at the Eurovision and the Hasidic Song Festivals.
Israel has every type of music and everyone can find something that suits their taste.
The tradition of song that was introduced in the Torah is still very much alive!
Stay tuned for next week where we will see how Haazinu’s prophecies are unfolding today.
