Malachei Rachamim is a song that encapsulates the powerful emotions of Elul and the Yomim Noraim. From the very first notes, the song sweeps the listener into a place of vulnerability, where we stand before Hashem, fully aware of our shortcomings yet filled with hope for His compassion. The music rises and falls, swelling into an emotional plea, moving from fear to hope, from uncertainty to trust in Hashem’s kindness.
Dovid HaMelech teaches us that in addition to the actions we need to take, we must understand what it’s all about – what it all comes down to, and what is life’s ultimate goal. ואני קרבת אלוקים לי טוב – “But as for me, the nearness of Hashem is my good” (Tehillim 73:28). These words highlight a profound message: true goodness in life is found not in material success or worldly achievements but in drawing near to Hashem.
After we light the menorah, as we bask in its glow, we thank and praise Hashem for the miracle of our continued existence, and express our longing for the Ultimate Redemption. The final verse of Maoz Tzur conveys our hopeful longing for Mashiach’s arrival, when darkness will be dispelled and the light of holiness will illuminate the world forever after.
In shul, as we reach the pinnacle of the Yom Kippur avodah, there is a palpable feeling of elation in the air when we read this special piyut. Using magnificent expression and splendid portrayal of imagery, this esoteric sonnet portrays the Kohen Gadol’s safe emergence and successful departure from the Holy of Holies on this wondrous day.
The key to returning to Hashem is feeling His love, and that if we were only to experience some of Hashem’s love, we would surely find our way back to Him. For this reason, I felt particularly inspired to feature a song that portrays within its words the warmth and comfort that Hashem’s love provides.
It is impossible for a Jew to forget Yerushalayim. When he eats, when he prays, when he suffers, when he celebrates, when he weds, when he builds a home, and even when he dreams, he thinks of Yerushalayim. A Yid cannot forget Yerushalayim because he simply can’t live without it.
Rus clung tearfully to her mother-in-law Naomi, and begged to be allowed to go back with her to Eretz Yisroel; back to a Land ravaged by famine and to a life that would surely be fraught with difficulties. “Where you will go, I will go. Where you will stay, I will stay. Your Nation is My Nation and Your G-d is my G-d as well.” What an amazing and powerful statement!
By revealing the P’nimius haTorah, Rabi Shimon made us fully aware that we need only to look within ourselves to find a roaring fire, a G-dly soul, thirsty for true meaning and a burning desire for the Divine. Lag Ba’omer is a day on which we can fan those inner flames until they become an enduring source of warmth and light, able, then, to ignite and illuminate the way for others as well. And that is something to celebrate.
The song, like its message, is timeless, so let’s remember never to forget it. Lo tishkach!
The Yidden proclaimed, וַאֲנִי בְּחַסְדְּךָ בָטַחְתִּי יָגֵל לִבִּי בִּישׁוּעָתֶךָ – My enemies think that there is no one to save me, but I trust in Your infinite kindness, my heart will rejoice in Your salvation. אָשִׁירָה לְהַשֵּׁם כִּי גָמַל עָלָי – I will sing to Hashem because he has dealt kindly with me (Tehillim 13:6)!