In this week’s Torah portion, Beshalach, music is the highlight of our story. After the sea splits and the Israelites are on the other side, we read, “Az yashir Moshe u’vnei Yisrael,” which translates to “Then Moses and the Israelites sang.” And after this initial song of praise and awe, Miriam picks up her timbrel and begins to dance. It should be no surprise that this is a favorite Torah portion of many cantors, myself included.

This moment, the Song of the Sea, is pivotal in Jewish tradition. Not only because of the blessing and power of music, something that keeps me deeply connected to Judaism, but because this sacred song is an expression of freedom. It is a stand against oppression, and a moment we remember and retell, so that future generations will carry the story of our Exodus forward.

This week, many of us are sitting with heavy questions about power, politics, and the presence of fear and violence in our world. Everywhere we look, it feels like so much is going on, and that there are so many people who seek freedom in different ways. We are watching frightening events unfold in our country – this week our clergy team shared a letter addressing the presence of ICE in Minnesota. We are also looking with awe and concern at the people of Iran as they stand against their tyrannical government, at great personal risk.

Alongside that fear and worry, this week also brought the release of Master Sgt. Ran Givli, the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, a moment of profound relief and deep emotion, which reminds us how long the wait for freedom can be.

As we hear the song of our freedom, we are called to remember the values that brought us to that moment. Though we may each come from different political perspectives, Judaism asks a few core things of all of us. As Jews, we know that everyone is made in the image of God, that protecting human dignity is sacred, that welcoming the stranger is a commandment, and that showing up for one another is essential. In every generation, we must sing the Song of the Sea anew, not only with our voices, but with our actions.

As we move through this challenging time for many in our world, may we continue to seek justice, and may we have the courage to sing loudly when it breaks through.

Shabbat Shalom,

Cantor Sydney Michaeli