While we’re on the topic of Tefillah, there is a very special one that is reserved only for Shabbos and Yom Tov. I’m referring to Nishmas – “the prayer of prayers.” It has it all! It contains our expressions of praise of Hashem, of gratitude to Hashem, of our dependence on Hashem, and of our faith and trust in Him as well. Nishmas also contains the answer to the often asked question: How can a mere mortal sing praises to Hashem, the Ribono Shel Olam? Any attempt to thank Him for all He provides for us is doomed to failure. This doesn’t seem to be the most inspirational statement but it’s the truth. The human being, with all his best intentions, is simply not able to adequately express enough recognition for the good that Hashem does for him. We even admit to this apparent contradiction in the words of Nishmas itself! We say, ‘were our mouth as full of song as the sea… and our lips as full of praise as the breadth of the heavens… we still could not thank You sufficiently…’ And after expressing our total inadequacy in giving fitting praise to Him, we then say, ‘Therefore, our organs, our neshamos, and our tongues – all of them will thank and bless, praise and glorify You.’
But I think the answer to this paradox is in the words we say at the conclusion of this magnificent tefillah. On Shabbos and Yom Tov, it is here that the chazzan takes his place before the tzibbur, and on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, he begins a few words before, with the mystically charged call of Hamelech. But the results are the same; at the climax of this awesome tefillah, together, the entire kehillah continues their ascent towards Krias Shema and ultimately, Shemoneh Esrei. It is here that we join together in song as we reinforce our faith and trust in the Almighty. With the following words, we distinctly define the ways by which we, finite as we may be, can properly address the Infinite King, Hashem:
בְּפִי יְשָׁרִים תִּתְרוֹמָם
וּבְשִׂפְתֵי צַדִּיקִים תִּתְבָּרַךְ
וּבִלְשׁוֹן חֲסִידִים תִּתְקַדָּשׁ
וּבְקֶרֶב קְדוֹשִׁים תִּתְהַלָּל
‘By the mouth of the upright, the lips of the righteous, by the tongue of the devout and with the very essence of the holy ones…’ This is how we are able to offer praise and give thanks to Hashem. We have talked about the power of tefillah and how it is not an external ability, rather an instrument within each of us, put there at the beginning of time. Tefillah, and speech in general, is the means of expression that sets us apart from the animal kingdom. However, even above speech, sits the Koach HaNiggun. It is through the gift of song that we have the greatest ability to express our Hakaras Hatov – both as individuals and together as a tzibbur. When we are able to recognize the good, to the point that we are able to verbalize our appreciation for it, then we have reached the levels of the Upright, the Righteous and the Devout. And when we are able to sing out in praise and in gratitude, then we have reached the holiest level of all – indeed, our very essence.
It is fitting, therefore, that today’s song is one that features a collaboration between two of Jewish Music’s finest, both of whom exhibit the ability to connect to this holy level. Eitan Katz composed this enrapturing waltz, and he is joined by fellow star, Benny Friedman for this truly special tune. The track is from Eitan’s 10th studio album entitled Ashrecha from 2019 and will have your spirits soaring by the time it ends. This niggun is an exceptional example of how music can infuse our tefillos with spirituality, thus enabling us to connect to the pure holiness that lies within.
וּבְקֶרֶב קְדוֹשִׁים תִּתְהַלָּל
Wishing you an exalted Shabbos!
Lyrics and order reflect Nussach Sefard, Ashkenaz substitutes וּבְשִׂפְתֵי with וּבְדִבְרֵי. Just thought you might like to know.
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