Baruch HaMakom – It is here that we refer to Hashem by His attribute of omnipresence. Before we allow ourselves to become absorbed in the mitzvah of Sipur Yetzias Mitzrayim, we must first understand with absolute clarity that Hashem is present in each and every facet of our lives, even when He isn’t explicitly felt or seen.
The Sixties also represented a pivotal period in the history of the Jewish Diaspora as well. There was a real need to cultivate a proud Jewish identity for the new generation of post-war youth, including a contemporary but uncompromising musical expression of its own. It wasn’t long before the void was filled by a fresh, current, and sincere young group that single handedly created an exciting new idiom in the Jewish music world – “Chassidic Folk.”
Yeshaya HaNavi (2:5) says it clearly, בֵּית יַעֲקֹב לְכוּ וְנֵלְכָה בְּאוֹר ה – Bais Yaakov, come let us walk in the light of Hashem. It is the Bais Yaakov, the women, who lead the way for their husbands and children, and maintain the spiritual light of our people. In the words of Sarah Schenirer, “Bais Yaakov” does not tell the Jewish woman that her place is at home, but that the Jewish woman IS the home.”
Masterfully written by Jewish music’s most prolific poet, the compositions and messages found within The Marvelous Midos Machine albums have ultimately proven to be as timeless and universal as Rotenberg’s countless other musical masterpieces.
We have a mitzvah to remember Yetziyas Mitzrayim every single day – it is a mitzvah that profoundly permeates our individual practices, as well as our collective Jewish consciousness. At the core of this crucial commandment is the eternal mission of the Jew: to perceive and appreciate the undeniable presence of the Yad Hashem in each and every aspect of his life. With just a little training, one can see Hashem’s clear and undeniable orchestration in practically all of existence.
A glimmer of light, a flicker of hope – Yeshayahu HaNavi gives us something to hold onto, something to look forward to, as we navigate the darkness of galus. And with this memorable tune, R’ Shlomo reminds us that no matter where we find ourselves, we will always have a reason to sing.
Efraim and Menashe are the children of Golus, born in impure Mitzrayim, but not only display their commitment to derech avosam, but to supporting one another through thick and thin. It is then and there Yaakov perceives that his progeny would succeed in remaining loyal to his heritage in the exiles to come, and more importantly, he sees that they will remain loyal and devoted to each other, thus guaranteeing their ultimate survival.
In the purest expression of faith and devotion, Dovid HaMelech provides us with our primary purpose in this world – to be able to proclaim with pride that we are servants of the One above. May we not only be zoche to earn the title of Eved Hashem, but may He answer all of our tefillos simply because of our deep desire to become one.
It is written that the closest place to Hashem in heaven is the Sha’ar HaNeginah – the Gateway of Music. Every once in a while, there is a song that is sent down from above which contains the key to that exalted entrance. And every once in a while, there is a messenger sent to deliver that song – to implant that key – into the hearts and souls of mankind…
No matter how loudly the external winds may howl, no matter how vulnerable and insecure our physical fortresses may be, on Sukkos we are given the ability to recognize that Hashem has always been there and will continue to always be there, watching over us and providing us with His loving shelter.