Congratulations to our subscriber R’ Ezi W. for correctly predicting today’s song choice! Well done to all of you who chimed in with amazing suggestions and requests as well – I admire your inspiration!
Ki Sisa – oh, what a parsha. The machatzis hashekel with all its intrinsic lessons and powerful insights. The Kiyor, Shemen HaMishchah and the Ketores, each with their hidden meanings and mystical allusions. Hashem’s distinct direction to keep Shabbos certainly warrants at least a Shabbos table dvar Torah or two. The Eigel HaZahav, the breaking of the Luchos, their historic implications and profound repercussions. The first Yom Kippur and the power of teshuva… etc. and so on! With so much happening in this week’s parsha (and I haven’t mentioned Parshas Parah or the haftorah!), it was difficult to choose just one topic, let alone just one song, to highlight in today’s post.
As we know, the Torah is not a storybook and does not contain a single drop of ink that is not meant to teach us something infinitely valuable and worthwhile. So when the Torah relates the events that occurred at the foot of Har Sinai, one cannot help but notice the unique relevancy to our own lives. After having just witnessed the plagues that were brought upon Egypt, after having been triumphantly marched to freedom and miraculously guided through the Yam Suf, after being victorious in the epic battle with Amalek – the fledgling nation was at the cusp of greatness, the likes of which had never before been seen.
Tending to their every need as a shepherd lovingly cares for his flock, Moshe’s loyalty and concern for his people was legendary. The faithful leader had successfully prepared his nation to receive their crowns of kingship and priesthood. But as they camped at the base of the mountain, ready to receive the Aseres Hadibros, chaos and confusion ensued and the glorious coronation came to an abrupt halt. A heartbroken leader, pained by the egregious error made by those whom he cared for most, distanced himself from his people.
As he stood at the gate of the encampment, Moshe Rabbeinu valiantly issued the solemn cry of Mi Lashem Eilai! – Whoever is for Hashem, come to me! – a call that continues to reverberate throughout the generations. Not coincidentally, this remarkable statement was recorded in perek ל”ב (heart) and in pasuk כ”ו, the numerical value of Hashem’s Name. In this defining moment, our quintessential teacher gives us the invaluable instructions we need in order to do battle with and to conquer the Yetzer Hara. Who will put Hashem first? Who will choose a life devoted to Hashem? Who will dedicate his God-given time, his energies, his abilities, and livelihood to Hashem?
Make no mistake – this was not just a one-time wake up call. Each one of us has the opportunity to heed the courageous cry of Moshe Rabbeinu every day of our lives. We are living in a time when any thinking person can hear a Great Shofar blasting from all sides, calling out: Mi Lashem Eilai! and it is incumbent on every one of us to come running.
If there were ever a song that could capture this idea perfectly, it would have to be this one. Mi Lashem Eilai is from D’veykus Volume 6 from back in 2000. This marvelous melody was composed by master songwriter Abie Rotenberg and was arranged by the incredible Leib Yaacov Rigler. One can almost feel the dark scene of the Eigel’s aftermath unfolding before one’s eyes as the musical experience begins. Much like the poignant message contained within its words, this song is one that I can listen to repeatedly and never get tired of hearing. As we at Jewish Musical Notes know, for best results, you must listen with your heart. Because in this timely tune, we are being reminded yet again that Moshe is calling – the only question is – are we prepared to respond?
Wishing all of you a wondrous Shabbos!
0 Comments