This Shabbos, when we once again hear these familiar, prophetic phrases, we can be comforted with the knowledge that this arduous exile will eventually end, and that when it does, the promise of achdus and nechamah will finally be fulfilled.
“Castles in the Air” was a smashing success, but the long-lasting achievement of that year’s event was definitely the creation of this musical masterpiece. ‘Even if we’ve heard the song ten thousand times before,’ it never fails to decorate our imaginations with the many miracles and marvels of Hashem and of the world that He created.
Parshas Ha’azinu teaches us that words without music are like a body without a soul. So yes, Moshe Rabbeinu takes leave. Days pass and years go by, but the song of Torah remains forever.
The two pesukim at the very end of Sefer Yoel (4:20,21) deal with the restoration of Bnei Yisroel in their land, which involves Hashem punishing the Gentiles for shedding the blood of His people. All other sins can be overlooked and forgiven, but spilling the blood of His children? For that, Hashem says He cannot ignore – He cannot forgive. It was with these two pesukim that the late, great, multifaceted dynamo R’ Eli Teitelbaum, z’l and long-time arranger and conductor Yisroel Lamm composed our featured tune.
When you love someone, there is nothing that you won’t do for them. Seemingly insignificant tasks are no longer tedious but are held in the utmost import and are done with zing and flourish. Think of all the things that we do for our loved ones, spouses, children, etc. What we do for others shows the love we have for them. This is the way we must act towards Hashem, because He is our Loved One – our most Beloved.