Shabbat Parashat B’Shalach Shabbat Shirah Miriam’s Timbrel and Us January 14, 2022 – 13 Shevat 5782

Dear Friends,

What does Miriam’s Timbrel have to do with us?

This week we will be reading the Song of the Sea which was recited right after the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and saw that they were safe.  Moses and the Israelites sang the Song of the Sea.  Miriam took out her timbrel and led the women in her version of the song and dance in celebration of their redemption.

What can we learn from the fact that Miriam had her timbrel handy even immediately after all the tumultuous events of the Exodus?

The lesson of Miriam’s Timbrel is that we would do well to always be prepared to celebrate.  Even when the going is rough, as it was through the Exodus, Miriam kept her timbrel by her side, believing that redemption will happen.  Joy will come.   A time to celebrate awaits us.

This Shabbat, we will stand for the reading of the Song of the Sea, symbolizing our joy at the beginning of the redemption.  We will also celebrate the Simchat Bat, the baby naming, of Kevin and Naomh Hudon’s second daughter, and Maeve’s younger sister, Aine Rebecca Hudson. Mazal Tov to the Aine Rebecca Hudson’s entire family!

And, we look forward to this coming Monday, when we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the festive New Year of the Trees, Tu B’Shevat.

So, get your timbrels ready, because we have many reasons to celebrate on this Shabbat and in the days to come!

We have not reached the ultimate redemption yet, but like Miriam, we can celebrate good events along the way!

Looking forward to seeing you and to sharing as much good news as possible.

Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Gilah Dror