Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

This coming Shabbat is called Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of poetic song. In the Parsha, we will recount the song of the sea, in which Moses and Miriam respectively lead the people in a song of faith after the exodus from Egypt. In the Haftarah, we will recount the song of Deborah, judge and prophet of her time, composed shortly after a victorious battle in the land of Israel.

Both songs are considered literary masterpieces in the Bible. In particular, the song of the sea is recited daily in Psukei D'Zimra, the early portion of the Shacharit service. Many explanations are offered for its recitation daily. That Moses and the Children of Israel "sang" can also be rendered as "will sing." Thus, this song of faith covers the past, present, and future, until Messianic times. 

The song of the sea is a forerunner of Hallel, a liturgical masterpiece focusing on our praising the presence of God in our lives. Hallel is comprised of consecutive Psalms attributed to King David.  Much of Psukei D'Zimra contains references to King David and his own recitations. David yearned to establish a sacred place to feel God's presence. The end of the song of the sea, likewise, speaks to the establishment of a sacred meeting place for God and the Children of Israel.

The song of the sea portrays God in a number of ways. In one instance, God is called "A man of war," during the conquest over Pharaoh. The song also states, "Adonai Shmo - The Lord is His name," conjuring a variety of images and motifs.

In tandem with the haftarah, the song of the sea opens with Moses and closes with Miriam, as being leaders of song and faith. In the Haftarah, the poetic section mentions Deborah first, followed by her military officer, Barak - the two singing as one, with Deborah at the forefront.

I encourage all of us to reflect on the two songs in this coming week's Biblical readings and to develop a better appreciation for the daily recitation of Shirat Ha'Yam, the song of the sea.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison