Daily Chizuk #1537

Parashat B’shalach: Shabbat Shira
In this week's parasha, B'shalach, we read about monumental events, including Kriyat Yam Suf and the battle against Amalek. Yet this Shabbat is called Shabbat Shira—the Shabbat of Song—named after the song of gratitude that Bnei Yisrael sang upon being saved from the Egyptians. This highlights the immense power of expressing sincere gratitude to Hashem.
The Sefer Sas B'Imratecha points out that when the shira describes how the Egyptians sank like stones, the pasuk says, "ידמו כאבן"—rather than the more common term, "יפלו כאבן." He explains that ידמו is related to דממה—silence. At Kriyat Yam Suf, the Egyptians witnessed Hashem's greatness, and some were even moved to praise Him. Had they done so, they would have been saved. However, they were not worthy of this zechut, and so ידמו כאבן—they were silenced along to bring their downfall.
A person has so much to be grateful for, yet it is human nature to focus on what is missing rather than appreciating the thousands of blessings already present. Even when we have every reason to sing to Hashem, the yetzer hara tricks us into complaining instead. When this happens, we must take a step back, see the bigger picture, and counter his tactics with gratitude.
This Shabbat is called Shabbat Shira—the Shabbat of Song. Let us take this lesson to heart: to always focus on Hashem's blessings, thank Him for them, and even sing to Him for them.
Shabbat Shalom!