Parshas Beshalach: The Shirav (5760)

Parshas Beshalach: The Shirav (5760)
By: Mordechai Dolinsky

The Shiras HaYam in our Sedra are the words that were emitted from the mouth of Moshe Rabbenu and Klal Yisroel after having experienced the greatest demonstration and revelation of Hashem.  This is exactly what should be and was said to express the ultimate of praise, appreciation and gratitude for the ultimate from Hashem.  Every word and sequence of words expresses exactly in the best way the thoughts they convey.

The Shira begins relating that Moshe and Klal Yisroel all exclaimed together these words.  This includes millions of people, all expressing simultaneously the Shira.  The conventional understanding of this is that it was a miracle, some type of supernatural prophecy that was placed in their mouths.  This insight is that these words were said since they were the exact expression of the praise.

How do we see in these words such praise, such enthusiasm and inspiration?  The Medrash 26:1 brings the Chazal that the throne which is the kingdom of Hashem was not complete until the reciting of the Shira.  Oh, to understand  these seemingly simple stanzas…

One observation I would like to share—there are two main themes throughout the Shira—the highness and greatness of HaShem and His helping us—down to the smallest details.  This is perhaps one of the high points of greatness of how HaShem relates to the world.  It is also something that is difficult for us to deal with.  HaShem being so high, yet being so concerned and helpful down to the smallest detail.

Saying the Shira is also a ‘segula’ in a time of danger.  We should all be worthy to again say Shira for the great redemption.