Beshalach | Miriam's Role in the Song at the Sea, by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
The introductory line to the Song at the Sea (Shemot 15:1) is enigmatic on several counts. First of all, why is Moshe listed separately - and the verb ישיר is in the singular - if all of the people sang? Furthermore, how would they all know what to say/sing? We review the various Tannaitic opinions addressing these questions and Moshe's role in the paean. Furthermore, we explore the purpose and added praise which Miriam's actions brought about - if the women had already "sung" with all of Bnei Yisrael, what did they accomplish by singing again by themselves?
