Shabbat Shira & Tu BiShvat: Singing Through Challenges and Ever-Blooming Growth

Good morning, everyone. This Shabbos is a very special Shabbos – Shabbat Shira. As you know, we read Parashat Beshalach, which includes the magnificent "Az Yashir Moshe," the song of praise sung by Am Yisrael after Kriyat Yam Suf (the splitting of the Red Sea). Shabbat Shira almost always falls around Tu BiShvat, which is this coming Monday. Let's explore the deep connections.

What is Shira? The Song After the Struggle

Shira (song of praise) is a feminine term. Why? Because in this world, songs of praise are typically sung after enduring and overcoming significant challenges. Just as a woman experiences labor pains before the immense joy of childbirth, Am Yisrael endured the excruciating pain of Egyptian slavery, then the fear at the Red Sea, before emerging victorious. Only then, understanding the purpose of their suffering, could they sing "Az Yashir Hashem" – "Let us sing a song of praise to Hashem," realizing "Zeh Keli v'Anvehu" – "This is my God, and I will beautify Him."

"Az Yashir" is one of the nine songs of praise sung throughout history; the tenth will be sung with the coming of Mashiach.

• Moshe's "Az Yashir": Moshe Rabbeinu, who had previously questioned Hashem with "Mei'az Bati" (Ever since I came, things have worsened), now uses "Az" (then/now) in "Az Yashir." He realizes his earlier questions were born of not seeing the complete plan. At Kriyat Yam Suf, he understood the purpose, taking back his words and expressing full recognition of Hashem's goodness. His song was a conscious act to eternalize this "wow moment" and ensure it led to deeper praise and commitment.

• The Humblest See Most: This moment was so special that even a simple maidservant at the Red Sea saw greater revelations than the greatest prophets like Yechezkel. Why? Because in moments of overwhelming divine revelation, anyone can see clearly. However, a prophet like Yechezkel, who lived in exile and hardship, sought and found Hashem in the mundane, indicating a deeper, constant connection.

• Hashem's Address: "Remember My Miracles": The Tehillim (Psalms) state: "Zecher Asa L'Nifla'otav" – "He has made a memorial for His wonders." Hashem wants us to remember these miracles. Why? Because "Chanun V'Rachum Hashem" – "Gracious and Merciful is Hashem." Just like a father has mercy on his children, Hashem says: "If I can split the Red Sea, I can do absolutely anything for you."

  • The Rothschild Story: A Polish businessman lost everything. With his last money, he traveled three months to London hoping for aid from Baron Rothschild. He found Rothschild's office overflowing with beggars receiving a mere pound. Devastated, he was advised to return on Friday morning. Rothschild, impressed by the gentleman, invited him for Shabbos, creating a deep bond. After Shabbos, hearing his story, Rothschild instantly gave him 15,000 pounds. Then, he gave the man an envelope with his address, saying, "Next time you need money, don't travel for three months. Send me a telegram!"

  • Lesson for Us: Hashem tells us: "Zechar Asa L'Nifla'otav!" Remember My miracles! "You have My address." "Chanun V'Rachum Hashem" – I am always there, waiting to help. Just cry out to Me.

• The Dove in the Rock: Shir HaShirim (Song of Songs) likens Am Yisrael to a dove hiding in the crevices of rocks. When surrounded by danger (like at the Red Sea, with Egyptians behind and the sea ahead), Hashem says: "Harei'ini Et Beit Madrigecha" – "Show Me your dwelling in the cliff!" and "Hashmi'ini Et Kolech" – "Let Me hear your voice!" Even when trapped, just cry out to Hashem. He will always be there.

Miriam's Song: The Power of Women and Daily Miracles

We must not forget the women's song! Miriam took her drum and led the women in their own distinct song: "Shiru LaHashem Ki Ga'oh Ga'ah" – "Sing to Hashem, for He is exalted!" Why a separate song?

• The Strength of Women: Miriam declared that women played a special, indispensable role in the Egyptian exile. When the men despaired, the women beautified themselves, maintained family unity, and insisted on having more children. "Bizchut Nashim Tzidkaniyot Nig'alu Avoteinu" – "Through the merit of righteous women, our forefathers were redeemed."

• Horses and Riders: Miriam compared women to the horses pulling chariots – unseen publicly but essential. Without the horses, the riders are lost. Women, in their roles at home, in family, and in helping others, possess immense power to encourage, to smile, to have Emunah. This power deserves its own song.

• Beating the Drum: Miriam chose a drum, a less "feminine" instrument, to symbolize the hard times women endured in Egypt. Even through hardship, with Hashem's help, they found the extra strength to play their part and sing.

• The Manna: Daily Miracles: Parashat Beshalach also speaks of the Manna. Hashem said, "Hineni Mam'tir Lachem Lechem Min HaShamayim" – "Behold, I will rain down bread for you from heaven." Why "rain down bread" (Mam'tir) like rain (Matar)? Because just as everyone understands that rain comes from Heaven, whether a drizzle or a downpour, Hashem wants us to realize that our daily livelihood (Parnassah) is also a continuous miracle from Heaven. Earning a living is "Kashin K'Kriyat Yam Suf" – as difficult as splitting the Red Sea! Everything we receive, hourly, daily, depends entirely on Hashem.

Our purpose is to call out to Hashem, to connect with Him, and to live a life of Shira – of singing, thanking, and gratefulness. This is why we give bread crumbs to birds on Shabbat Shira; they didn't eat the Manna on Shabbat. When a bird eats, it dips its head to the earth then lifts its eyes to Heaven. So too, we acknowledge our earthly needs but always lift our eyes to Hashem, the ultimate provider.

Tu BiShvat: The Tree of Life – Ever-Growing, Ever-Young

As Tu BiShvat approaches, we are compared to trees: "Ki Ha'Adam Etz HaSadeh" – "For man is a tree of the field."

• Deep Roots, Heavenly Growth: Trees have deep roots, hidden in the earth, and in winter, nothing seems to grow. Yet, they blossom towards Heaven. We too are rooted in this world, but our purpose is to reach out to Hashem, connecting to Heaven and growing higher.

• Eternal Youth Through Growth: A Rebbe taught that a young tree can be bent and shaped; similarly, a person can grow and become greater. When asked what happens when a person gets old and rigid, he replied: "As long as a person is willing to grow, he will always stay young. If he is capable of changing, of bending himself a little, he can grow at any age." This is the secret to eternal youth: continuous growth.

Let us strive for growth, to give fruits, to help others. Each of us is capable of giving so much. May Hashem help us. May our lives always be a Shira, filled with more and more light.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Shabbos! All my love from Antwerp.