Parashat Shemot opens with the story of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt: suffering hardship and oppression, their voices seemingly unheard. The people cried out under their harsh labor, yet according to the “Kli Yakar”—Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim of Luntshitz—until this point, their cries were only complaints, not genuine supplications before God.

As he explains on Shemot 3:7:

וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה, רָאֹה רָאִיתִי אֶת-עֳנִי עַמִּי אֲשֶׁר בְּמִצְרָיִם; וְאֶת-צַעֲקָתָם שָׁמַעְתִּי מִפְּנֵי נֹגְשָׂיו, כִּי יָדַעְתִּי אֶת-מַכְאֹבָיו

“And the Lord said, ‘I have surely seen the affliction of My people… I have seen it in the past, and I see it now; and I have heard their cry.’”

God tells Moses that He has seen and heard their suffering over time, but only when the Israelites turn to Him sincerely—in true prayer—does the path to redemption open.

This teaches us about the power of heartfelt expression: prayer, earnest requests, and turning one’s heart toward God. These are the tools that connect us to each other and to the Divine, helping to bring light out of darkness. Even in moments of pain and despair, directed intention has the power to bring change, sustain hope, and strengthen the spirit.

This message continues and deepens in the Shabbat Shira reading of Parashat Beshalach, which will take place at Beth Tzedec on January 30–31. Shabbat Shira is a celebration where song itself becomes a symbol of redemption: the song of the Israelites at the Sea demonstrates freedom, joy, connection, and faith. Just as in Egypt, prayer and melody guide us from suffering to light, bondage to liberation.

During Shabbat Shirah, we will lift our voices together in musical Shabbat prayers, a warm and communal Friday night dinner, and a moving concert on Saturday night featuring top musicians and special guests. Every expression, every song, and every melody offers an opportunity to experience the strength of our community and to illuminate the journey from difficulty to hope—just as the Israelites did on their journey from Egypt to freedom.

I invite you to mark your calendars for the end of the month and join us for Shabbat Shirah – Voices of Hope: a Shabbat where prayer, music, and song will remind us of the power of redemption and hope for the people of Israel.

Shabbat Shalom and full of light,

Chaim