In this week’s parasha, Beshalach, the Israelites safely traverse the Red Sea and erupt in joyous song. This song, Shirat haYam, the “Song of the Sea”, is so important that it was included in our daily prayers. The Zohar (II, 131a) describes it as a song of redemption, and one that causes Israel to be “crowned” when we sing it, which is why it is the very climax of Pesukei d’Zimra, right before going into the Shema and Amidah at the height of our prayers. The Zohar says one who sings Shirat haYam with full kavanah will merit to see the coming of Mashiach. At the same time, Midrash Shir haShirim Zuta lists it among history’s ten special divine songs. What are these ten unique songs and how do they parallel Creation and the Ten Sefirot? Continue reading
Tag Archives: Ha’azinu
Graves of Tzadikim
Where was the original Tomb of Joseph, and the burial place of Moses? What’s so special about the Tomb of Rachel and the Cave of the Patriarchs? And what is the correct approach to visiting the graves of holy people? Find out in this class as we take a trip through Tanakh, Talmud, and Zohar to explore the graves of tzadikim. Plus: What are the true origins of Halloween? How will the Resurrection of the Dead at the End of Days be accomplished? And who was Caleb in a past life?
For the essay on Joseph and Yuya, see here.
For more on the origins of Halloween, see here.
Please see also ‘The Incredible History & Absurd Politics of Rachel’s Tomb’.
Kabbalah of Music (Video)
What role did music play in Creation? And what is the song of Mashiach? Which instruments did King David play? Find out in this class where we explore the mystical power of music, the divine octave, the musical notes of the Torah, and much more. Also discussed: where did the Breslover Hasidic “Na Nach” concept come from? Can a Jew listen to the church music of Bach? And what is the significance of the number 91?
This class is based on the essays ‘Kabbalah of Music and the Piano’ and ‘Listening to Non-Jewish Music’ from the newly-released third volume of Garments of Light, available here.