From Depths to Light: Lessons from Shir HaShirim and Shvi’i Shel Pesach

Good evening, everyone!

As we approach the final days of Pesach and Shabbat when we read Shir HaShirim, I’m sharing some reflections that I hope will inspire you during this spiritually charged time.

This message is dedicated for an aliyah of the neshamah of my dear mother, Mara Malke bas Rav Moshe, may she have a menuchah in Gan Eden.

I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for all your warm words and messages of support. They truly gave me tremendous strength. Though I couldn’t respond to each one personally over Chol HaMoed, please know that I read every message, and your kindness touched me deeply. May we all share in simchas from now on.

Why Do We Read Shir HaShirim on Pesach?

Let’s begin with Shir HaShirim, which we read as part of Shvi’i shel Pesach. Normally, we would read Shir HaShirim on a Shabbat during Chol HaMoed. However, when there is no Shabbat between Yom Tov and the end of Pesach, we read it now.

What is the significance of this?

The Gemara explains that when Am Yisrael came to the Beit HaMikdash for the pilgrimage festivals, they would read Kohelet on Sukkot — a book of general wisdom appropriate when even non-Jews were allowed to approach the outer walls of the Beit HaMikdash. On Pesach, however, a time of closeness between Hashem and Am Yisrael, they read Shir HaShirim, known as “Kodesh Kodashim” — the Holy of Holies in song.

The Power of Shir HaShirim: Teaching Ahavat Hashem

The Midrash teaches us that there have been nine holy songs in the world; the tenth will be sung by Melech HaMashiach when he arrives, may it be speedily in our days.

Shir HaShirim, written by Shlomo HaMelech, holds a unique place among them — it is "Kodesh Kodashim." Why? Because it teaches us the most difficult mitzvah: Ahavat Hashem — how to truly love Hakadosh Baruch Hu.

It is human nature to feel yirah (awe), but to sincerely say, "I love Hashem more than anything in the world," is a lofty aspiration. Through the metaphor of a bride longing for her beloved, Shir HaShirim expresses this yearning — teaching us how to draw close to Hashem even after mistakes and setbacks.

Galut and Geulah: A Deeper Message of Shir HaShirim

The four exiles (Arba Galuyot) — beginning with Galut Mitzrayim — are alluded to in Shir HaShirim. The verse “Shechora ani v'Navah” — "I am blackened but beautiful" — reflects Am Yisrael’s awareness of their spiritual flaws, yet their enduring inner beauty due to the merit of our Avot.

Life, like a song, is filled with ups and downs — ascents (aliyot) and descents (yeridot). My father, z”l, used to say that this is what makes a song beautiful. Similarly, in our relationship with Hashem, even in moments of challenge, Hashem sees our beauty and desires closeness with us.

This is the deeper message of Shir HaShirim: Even after the darkness of exile or personal struggles, Hashem longs for our return, and we can rebuild our connection.

The Redemption from Egypt and the Splitting of the Sea

Shir HaShirim references the dramatic redemption from Mitzrayim, culminating in the splitting of the Yam Suf — a moment when Hashem revealed hidden miracles and elevated the faith of the nation.

Why did Hashem orchestrate it this way? To show us that everything, even the most difficult experiences, are ultimately for our good. This perspective is crucial to cultivate, especially as we near Geulah Sheleimah.

The Spiritual Message of Shvi’i Shel Pesach

When lighting candles on Shvi’i shel Pesach (Friday night this year), remember: we do not say Shehecheyanu, because this is not a new Yom Tov. Rather, it is part of the journey toward Matan Torah — the giving of the Torah at Shavuot.

Similarly, we do not say Shehecheyanu on Sefirat HaOmer, as each day is a step of preparation. The splitting of the Yam Suf was not an end, but a beginning — a step toward a greater spiritual goal.

Faith in Action: Nachshon Ben Aminadav’s Courage

The miracle of the Yam Suf came through the emunah of Nachshon ben Aminadav, who bravely entered the water while others hesitated. His trust in Hashem brought about salvation.

This teaches us: in moments of uncertainty, we must move forward with faith, knowing Hashem will guide us.

Revealing the Hidden: Depths of the Sea and Depths of the Soul

At the Yam Suf, the hidden depths of the sea were revealed. In life, much remains concealed — especially the depth of a person’s pain or longing. Only Hashem truly knows what lies in our hearts.

Yet at that moment, even the simplest Jew merited profound spiritual revelation — seeing what even prophets did not. "Zeh Keili v'Anveihu" — "This is my God, and I will glorify Him" — was their joyous declaration.

This reminds us that every hidden struggle has the potential to lead to great spiritual clarity and closeness to Hashem.

Final Days of Pesach: A Time for Renewal and Strengthening Emunah

As we close out Pesach and transition toward the days of counting the Omer, may we absorb these messages:

• To seek closeness with Hashem even after mistakes

• To strengthen emunah and courage in the face of challenges

• To remain steadfast in our identity despite outside influences

• To look forward with hope and yearning for Geulah and Matan Torah

May these final days of Pesach bring light, renewal, and deepened connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu for us all.