THE SONG OF THE WEASEL
The weasel sings how the only worthwhile endeavor of every soul is to praise Hashem.
[Song 83] Weasel (Ch. 6)
חֻלְדָּה אוֹמֶרֶת. כֹּל הַנְּשָׁמָה תְּהַלֵּל יָהּ הַלְלוּיָהּ. (תהילים קנ ו)
The Rat is saying: “Let every soul praise Yah, Hallelu-Yah!”
Commentary
The weasel is the first and foremost of the eight contaminative creeping creatures.
It burrows into the earth and it is also earthly in its nature, hoarding more food than
it can eat. It symbolizes the earth’s inhabitants, who similarly invest endlessly in
this temporary world. It sings that the only worthwhile endeavor is to praise Hashem.
Each soul is historically unique, and important enough for Hashem to inhale within
it new life again and again. We should realize that the main reason we were given
thinking souls is so that we recognize our Creator and praise Him as long as we
live. When we do, we allow “all souls” – even lowly vermin – to praise the Creator.
LIVING WITH THE SONG
Each soul is a world of its own, a world of flawless praise to the Creator. No matter how insignificant a creature is, Hashem granted it life for significant reason. This is certainly true about the holy souls of the Jewish nation.
Whenever you reach parts of the Siddur that are texts of praise, such as Pesukei Dezimra or Hallel, realize that you are about to engage in the ultimate purpose of your creation. Sing with your soul.
Throughout your life, sing with your experiences. They are historically unique only to you, and only at their time. Praise
Hashem as long as you live and are able to do so. You are thereby allowing even the lowliest of animals to join in the
symphony orchestra of the universe.
Inspirational commentary By Shmuel Ben-Tzion Kraines author of
The Song of Existence.