I was just looking at the Reform Siddur and found a most beautiful reading. It goes like this: There is one who sings the song of his own life, finding everything within himself. There is one who leaves the circle of her self, and sings the song of her people. There is one whose voice rings with the song of humanity, hoping for the highest perfection. And there is one who rises even higher, uniting with all creatures, with all worlds, filling the universe with song.
This is Shabbat Shirah, the Sabbath of Song. It has its name because this week we read in Parshat Beshallach, about the song the Israelites sang to G-d after they crossed the Sea of Reeds. They were so moved by the miracle of their liberation from Egypt that they sang spontaneously, "Who is like You, O Lord, among the mighty?" This song has become our song as well.
The song the Israelites sang was not a result of finding everything within themselves. They felt the need to turn to G-d as their pursuers sank in the sea. When they sang, they did not know that their words would one day lead others to want to pursue freedom with faith that they too would be sustained in their darkest hours.
The Song of the Sea reminds us that freedom is not the end that we are seeking, it is the means by which we can turn our thoughts and actions to perfecting this universe in accordance with G-d's will. The song of the sea helps elevate us beyond our own selves and helps us realize that we as we rejoice in freedom we must also strive to help others fight oppression so they too can strive to perfect this world.
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