Isn’t it wonderful to be able to pray and praise with song? As we know that is not always the case. In fact in this week’s portion of Beshalach, Shabbat Shira, the timeless tense reality brings many forms of prayer, sometimes even in dispute with each other as to whether there is rhyme or reason for them to even occur. Alongside the lyrical romance of Az Yashir—“Then they sang,” the song of Moses and the people, echoed by Miriam and her circle of singers, there are moments that the cries of the people appear to insinuate; “How can I sing the Lord’s song…”? Their fear and frustration surpassed any prospects for joy. 

The children of Israel behold a site that they believed was behind them but not in the immediate sense. The Egyptians were giving........

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