After Moses‘ last speech to the children of Israel, God tells Moses to write down a song to teach to the Israelites. “Put this song in their mouths,” God says, “so that the words may become a witness for Me against them.” 

As I started reading this week’s Parashah, words from Shir Chadash, by Julie Siver, a song I sang during Shabbat at URJ Camp Harlam, came flooding into my memory and the words came rushing out. I haven’t heard or sang this song in over 15 years, and Moses reminded me of the importance of song.  

In Parashat Ha’Azinu, Moses was preparing the Israelites for life in the next generation, knowing that they won’t have the same support from him and need to learn to be more independent in the world, and used songs to teach since we remember songs more than words. Music can be so powerful to our learning and to our memory.  

When was the last time you turned to music to teach?

When was the last time you turned to music to remember?