If there is one thing we’ve learned from our weekly posts, it’s that every niggun has a lot more going on than what meets the eye. Without question, Shabbos zemiros are the epitome of this rule. Hidden beneath the surface of each poetic allusion and mystical reference, one can discover layer upon profound layer of deeper meanings, each of seismic spiritual significance.
Yom Shabboson, therefore, is no exception. The words are attributed to R’ Yehudah HaLevi, the noted 11th century poet, and author of the sefer The Kuzari. At first glance, it may seem like just another song about Torah and our special gift of Shabbos. (To some, it may just indicate that the main course has been served and that they’re about to take a second helping of cholent and another piece of deli roll. But I digress.)
You and I both know that there is much more to it than that. Upon closer inspection, one will notice that the lively chorus of the zemer – the crescendo that follows each verse – is not about Torah or Shabbos at all, but is about…a bird! And not just any bird, mind you, but a Yonah – a dove. If we are singing about birds, wouldn’t it make more sense to sing about a graceful eagle who represents strength and might? Or how about a canary that produces beautiful sounds of peaceful song? Why are we singing about a bird? And what connection does a Yonah have with Shabbos?
So, as we all know, in this week’s Parsha, Noach sent out a dove to see if the world was ready to be settled. But after a short while, the dove returned with nothing to show for it. The Midrash states that this is symbolic of the Jewish people in galus: no rest in sight, but eventually we will find salvation, just as the Yonah did.
{And there are more parallels, too. I’ll mention one as an example; the Gemara in Brachos (53b) states that just as a Yonah is saved from danger by using its wings, a Jew is saved from danger by performing Mitzvos. And there are many more comparisons, but for now, you’ll just have to take my word for it.}
Now, between you and me, we all lead very busy lives, do we not? We all have so much work to do. We have meetings to attend, and places to go, and people to see……….. When is there time to rest! But the Yonah showed us exactly where to find peace.
On Erev Shabbos, right before nightfall, it returned a second time, and this time it had something to show for its excursion. In its mouth, it held a bitter olive leaf, thereby showing Noach that the land was tranquil once more, and at the same time, teaching us a very timely lesson.
While on the teiva, the dove was fed – and fed well – with the honeyed food given to it by the hand of Noach. But at the first opportunity, the dove taught us all how to let go of our taivos – our desires and indulgences – and how to sustain ourselves solely through holy and wholesome means, even if it means we will have to taste the bitterness of toil.
Hashem gave us Shabbos to be able to rest so that we can fulfil our divinely ordained purpose in this world. Each week, Hashem gives us a taste of the World to Come so we can renew our emunah in His endless benevolence. Davening, learning Torah and doing Mitzvos is exactly the rejuvenation we need! It is the respite we require from the mundane servitude that we get so caught up in during the week. That is why we sing this song – we are extolling the virtues of the Yonah, which is likened to the Yid, for it having found true peace and happiness on this holy day of rest.
Many have asked which artist or group I consider the most underrated in the world of Jewish Music. I could make an argument that the talent-laden trio of Rivie Schwebel, Ali Scharf & Dov Levine would be at the very top of that list. From the sophisticated and intricate arrangements, to the gorgeous melodies sung by three of the most accomplished and recognizable voices in the industry, Schwebel Scharf & Levine remain one of the more underestimated music groups to ever grace the Jewsic stage.
Each composition is unique and unlike any song you’ve heard before – which was precisely the intention of composer Ali Scharf, whose firm belief it is that each song should have its unique sound. Along with his fellow singers and longtime friend, master arranger Suki Berry, Scharf managed to somehow blend his notes into songs that absolutely delight the musically inclined, and yet are not beyond the reach of even the most casual of listeners.
Today’s song is a perfect example of that trademark “complex simplicity” that I’m referring to. Yonah was arranged from beginning to end by Scharf himself, who counts this particular tune among his personal favorites. It appeared on their classic 1993 album called The Pintele Yid. [Some of you may also recognize this melody as part of Lev Tahor’s a cappella “Shabbos Medley” on LT’s 2001 debut release.]
Captivating compositions, nuanced notation, and opulent orchestration are what define each of the four SS&L albums, each song a testament to Scharf’s brilliant musical expression. Listen with your heart and you, too, will hear what I mean.
Wishing all of you a very restful Shabbos!
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