Elul 19/September 3

Sweet Music

Sweet as honey (Let us soak it up),
Sweet as honey (Let it all sink in),
Sweet as honey on the tongue (Sweet words of Torah)

(Dan Nichols)

The song, "Sweet As Honey," combines three wonderful symbols of joy: honey, Torah, and music.  Just thinking about the song has me bopping around in my chair, hearing my youth groupers or campers sing the responses in parentheses as the song leaders sing the lead part.

Words are wonderful tools for expressing ourselves.  Poetry is even better.  Add music to our poetry, and the feelings behind them come to life.  In my high school choir room there was a poster that read, The mouth can learn the words, but only the soul can sing.”  Even without words the melodies behind the music can give powerful expression to our deepest thoughts and feelings.

This is why we sing most of our blessings.  Singing songs of praise expresses our love for God, our wonder at God’s miracles, and our thanks for God’s presence in our lives.  t is also why we have so many different melodies for some of the same blessings.  Singing a mellow Mi Chamocha helps us contemplate the miracles God creates.  Singing an upbeat, hip setting to the same blessing allows us to express our joy and gratitude for the same miracles.

The song Sweet As Honey” is an amazing expression of joy.  It reminds us, like writing an aleph in honey on a tablet, that Torah learning is sweet and joyous.  It should keep us bopping in our chairs, bouncing with anticipation of the next sweet words we are bound to hear.

Think about the Jewish songs and prayers and music that you like.  Which ones help you connect with other people?  Which ones make you feel closer to God?  Which ones evoke powerful memories or express your joy?