The Music of Life
It has always fascinated me that we read Parshat Haazinu in between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur during the period known as the “ten days of repentance”. Let me explain:
During this period we intensify our efforts at returning to Hashem through the three methods mentioned in the famous “Unetaneh Tokeh” prayer on Rosh Hashana- Teshuva(returning), Tefilla (Prayer) and Tzedaka (charity)
1) Teshuva – which in a nutshell requires three separate stages
a) Azivat Hachet – ceasing to the sin or negative behaviour
b) Charatah – sincerely regret what we have done to damage our relationship with Hashem
c) Kabbalah Leasid – To commit for the future to never repeat the sin.
d) These three aspects of Teshuva are expressed and articulated verbally as a confession known as Vidui.
2) Teffilah – Most have the custom to intensify the recital of Selichot (penitential prayers) at this time
3) Tzedakah – The ten days of repentance are an opportune time to increase in acts of charity and kindness. This is the source for the Yom Kippur appeal
Coming back to our Parsha, Haazinu, the main theme of the Parsha is a 70-line song by Moses just prior to his death. The Torah indicates this orthographically by laying the words out in district two column format.
The theme of Teshuva and a song at first glance seem incongruous. Granted the song of Moses does contain the warning for Israel (Yeshurun) not to become arrogant over material plenty and the calamity that would befall us as a result – God hiding his face. But why does Moses choose to communicate to Israel via a song and not prose.
I believe the answer to this question helps us define the true definition of Teshuva in Judaism.
God does not want us to berate or belittle ourselves over our past negative behaviours. Of course, we cannot become numb to the effects our actions have on our relationship with others, with Hashem and with our souls. Indifference to our actions just facilitates perpetuating the viscous cycle.
However at the same time we must be incredibly careful that introspection of our deeds never leads us to despair or lose faith in ourselves. When we identify ourselves with our sins then we dig a deeper pit for ourselves. Our souls then wallow in a quagmire of guilt and bitterness. This of course only leads to further sin as we become fatalistic accepting that we can never change internally.
So what is the solution to this? The answer is through song. Song uplifts us to a higher plane.
As one Rabbi said, “If the tongue is the pen of the mind then music is the quill of the soul”.
Judaism must be lived like a melody. This means imbuing our every action with vitality, joy, passion, enthusiasm, and love.
As opposed to focussing on “how bad I have fallen” which creates a negative energy. We can instead focus on “what incredible potential we have latent in our souls.” We just need to unleash the energy within us to break bad patterns.
Teshuva is of course a serious process but its ultimate expression is when we are motivated and awakened to change as a result of our newly discovered love of Hashem.
This is the Judaism Moses communicated to the people before he died.
This Shabbat Shuva let’s open our hearts to the song of Moses and may we be inscribed in the book of life so that we can live a life dedicated to Hashem and His higher purpose.
Shabbat Shalom and Shanna Tova and well over the fast.