When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and this week is special indeed because it’s Shabbat Shira, the Shabbat of Song. This week we will read Parashat Beshalach (בְּשַׁלַּח) aka Beshallach or Beshalah (Exodus 13:17 through 17:16), the 16th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings. According to Wikipedia, Beshalach contains 6,423 Hebrew letters, 1,681 words, 116 verses and 216 lines of the Torah Scroll. Beshalach includes the climax of the 1956 classic Cecil B. Demille Passover narrative; Moses parting the Red Sea, Israel’s escape from Egypt and the destruction of Pharaoh’s army.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Beshalach for Shabbat February 8, 2025 aka 10 Shevat 5785:
“Just imagine!! You are traveling with Bnai Yisroel who have been slaves for 410 years and are now free. You have witnessed the miracles of the plagues which G-d set upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians for their stubborn refusal to let us return to our Holy Land. You have, with your own eyes have seen the miracle of the great storm which split the Yam Suf and allowed you to walk safely on dry land until you crossed safely to the other side! You have been a firsthand witness to the host of the Egyptian army thrust into the sea. How do you respond? How do you rejoice?
You break into jubilant song – Az Yashir Moshe Uvnei Yisroel Et Hashira Hazot – then Moses and the Children of Israel broke into this jubilant song – and Miriam led the women with tambourines and flutes . As you begin the march to Israel, you are attacked by the vicious enemy Amalek who is defeated and utterly destroyed by the leadership of General Joshua. From that point and all throughout the journey you are protected and directed by a pillar of cloud during daytime and a pillar of fire at night.
I can only imagine the same feeling as our hostages are finally being returned to their families. Once again, we do battle with the evil forces of Amalek, stronger now, but still humbled by the IDF and ultimately who will be brought to justice for the brutal attacks of October 7.
For now, we will recall the celebration of Shabbat Shira and will rejoice with those reunited with their families, but we will never forget the lives lost and those forever altered by their captivity.
May Hashem protect Israel and give us reasons to rejoice in the future. May Hashem always protect our families in Israel as we remain vigilant against the evil force that are still present in the world. With G-d’s help we will overcome them and create a world worthy of Great Songs for our children and grandchildren well not the future.
- Why are we given a double commandment concerning Amalek? (remember- don’t forget)
- What elements of the splitting of the sea represent a non-natural occurrence?
- How did Bnei Yisroel overcome their reluctance to step into the sea?
- How does physical slavery also encompass emotional slavery?”
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his smicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
This moment of Jewish learning is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We serve the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Learn more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at: www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit & LIKE our Facebook Group at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
The FJMC is a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn how YOUR Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://fjmc.org/for-clubs/affiliating-with-the-fjmc/.
About Post Author
