This week we read parshat Beshalach. This weekend is also called, Shabbat Shirah, shabbat of song. After the Israelites escape across the sea they sing a song of thanks and praise to God. In honor of Shabbat Shirah Leann Shamash asked us to send her happy songs for this week. I listened to the playlist she compiled, and wondered, what is a “happy” song? Is it a song that we listen to when we are happy, or is it a song that we use to make ourselves feel happy when we are not?
It is easy to picture the Israelites dancing with Miriam at the edge of the sea jubilant and
free, but what about the trauma and death that led to that moment? That doesn’t go away, and only sentences later these people who have witnessed the greatest miracles are complaining that they are thirsty.
On October 7th a dance party was interrupted by terror. Our happiest holiday turned into the saddest. This week the last body of the remaining hostages was returned. It brings relief and closure, but not happiness.
We find ourselves now in the middle of the desert trying to figure out a way forward. The world feels heavy, but maybe what we need are songs and dances, not to erase trauma, but to work our way through it.
Let us hope that our journey is shorter than that of the Israelites, and even with the sadness we will dance again.