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Shabbat Shira acknowledges the role of song in carrying the words of our heartfelt prayers to the gates of heaven. Once again, we plan to mark this Shabbat of Song by infusing our traditional service with a selection of contemporary prayer melodies that are drawn from new, soulful avenues of expression such as the Jewish Renewal and Independent Minyanim movements. Inspired by a prayer text or psalm, the composers we feature are moved to express these sacred texts in their modern expressive voices. We will also hear from some of the extremely talented singers who have joined us for the holidays and other special services. Shabbat Shira, the Sabbath of Song, is observed each year on the Shabbat during which we read the Song of the Sea – Shirat Hayam. The children of Israel joyously sing unto God this beautiful hymn after they safely cross the Red Sea ahead of Pharaoh’s pursuing armies. Shirat Hayam is notable as the first instance in Jewish History of a prayer being uttered simply out of joy and gratitude rather than as a request from God. If you join us for services, you will also hear the Song of the Sea chanted according to a unique style of Torah Trop (cantillation).

In addition to celebrating song, Shabbat Shira is also a reminder of the important role that women continue to play in the Jewish community. The Torah reading describes how Miriam, Moses’ sister, led the singing and dancing that followed the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. Moreover, in the accompanying Haftara, we read how the great Prophet Deborah led our people to victory over the evil King Sisera and foiled his plot to destroy the children of Israel. The highlight of the story of Deborah occurs when Yael, a young Israelite woman, vanquishes the evil Sisera by luring him into her tent and subsequently hammering a tent pin through his head as he slept!

Please plan to join us for Shabbat morning services at 10:00 am on January 30. Although we may experience some cold wintry weather, the glow of this sincere expression of devotion to Our Creator will warm your soul.