Some interesting things to ponder about Shabbas Shira:
- Did you know that the Talmud teaches (Megillah 16b) that the sections of the Torah involving Shira (songs) are written in a unique "Aruch al gabei leveina" style? This means that the script of the line above is written over the space of the line below, creating a beautiful bricklaying pattern. Be sure to look inside the Torah this week to see it yourself!
- The Mishnah Berurah (51:17) quotes from the Zohar, who emphasizes the importance of saying Az Yashir with happiness in our daily prayers. He suggests that we visualize ourselves personally experiencing the miracle of crossing the sea. The Zohar even states that this practice can lead to forgiveness for our sins.
Sources:
Shema Yisrael Torah Network
info@shemayisrael.co.il
http://www.shemayisrael.co.il