Combine Mona’s well-rounded arrangements, with Yumi’s fresh and lively vocals, along with Yossi’s unquenchable aptitude in taking the words of Chazal, and bringing out both their practical and perceptible implication through his mastery of music, and you have a hit worth listening to again and again.
This Aramaic introduction to kriyas haTorah – sung in an ancient, emotional tune – has uplifted Jews through hundreds of years of persecution and exile, reminding us of our glorious status as the Am HaNivchar, and of the eternal nature of the Torah and the Jewish people.
The truth is, this poignant poem is more than words, more than prayer, more than music – but rather a delicate, enduring fabric woven from them all.
If we could somehow comprehend the sweetness of the Torah and of the guaranteed goodness that we are promised therein, we would become obsessed with the Torah and would chase the opportunities to fulfill its words at all times. Silver and gold would have absolutely no value, and nothing would distract us from trying to acquire its wisdom because the Torah contains all the pleasures of the world. There truly is nothing else to pursue!
Even after ascending to heaven, he continues to advocate on behalf of his nation. A seat of honor is set for him at every bris milah and a cup named for him is poured at the Seder. He is a figure not only of the past, but also of the present and future.
It shouldn’t take the loss of a loved one or a prominent figure to shake us back into this Godly reality, but sometimes we are given just that to remind us that we are only here for a limited amount of time and need to be making every day count.
Outside, darkness is setting in and the workweek is coming to a close – a week of activity, a week of growth… a tiring week. But as the sun goes down, a new day is being ushered in – the day for which we toiled the entire week, a day of rest and serenity – Shabbos Kodesh has arrived.