Between Song and Tears

Understanding the Shirah of Pesach amidst tragedy

The power and significance of shirah during Pesach is undeniable. We begin Pesach with the Seder, where we celebrate and express our gratitude to Hashem through joyful songs that highlight His taking us out of Mitzrayim and getting us to where we are today. On Shabbos Chol Hamoed, we recite Shir Hashirim, which reflects upon our relationship with the Ribbono Shel Olam during galus and how Hashem guides us toward the geulah until the ultimate tikkun is complete. Finally, on the last day of Pesach, we read Az Yashir, the song of Moshe and the B’nei Yisrael upon the splitting of the sea.

Shirah is a powerful and profound expression of gratitude to the Ribbono Shel Olam. In the Gemara¹ (Sanhedrin 94), it is related that Hashem considered designating Chizkiyahu Hamelech as Mashiach and Sancheriv as Gog and Magog. But the middas ha’din intervened and reminded Hashem that even though Chizkiyahu had experienced countless miracles, including being saved from Sancheriv and recovery from a termina…