Paths of Redemption

בענין קי"ס אחר יצ"מ.

Concerning the matter of the splitting of the Sea after the Exodus from Egypt.

The Sefat Emet introduces the theme of how the Red Sea miracle followed the Exodus and what spiritual mode it represents.

דכ' מוציא אסירים בכושרות

As it is written: “He brings out prisoners in ‘kosharot.’”

The verse is cited as the source for the dual modes of redemption implied in the word “kosharot.”

ואמרו חז"ל בכות ושירות.

And our Sages said: “In weeping and in songs.”

The rabbis interpret “kosharot” as indicating two channels of release: through tears and through song.

דיש גאולה ע"י בכי' ובקשה.

For there is redemption through crying and supplication.

One mode of divine salvation comes when Israel pleads from a place of brokenness.

ויש על ידי שירה וזמרה.

And there is redemption through song and melody.

The other mode is an uplifted, joyful expression that itself draws redemption.

ובגלות ובימי המעשה הוא ע"י בכות.

And in exile and on ordinary weekdays, it is through weeping.

During times of spiritual constriction, the effective path is heartfelt lament.

ובזמן גאולה ובשבת הוא ע"י שירה כמ"ש טוב להודות.

But in a time of redemption and on Shabbat, it is through song, as it is written: “It is good to give thanks.”

Shabbat reveals the redemptive dimension where song is the natural language of the soul.

ולכן איתא במדרש כי שביעי של פסח כמו שבת.

Therefore the Midrash teaches that the Seventh Day of Passover is like Shabbat.

This day embodies the mode of redemption expressed as song, mirroring the essence of Shabbat.

והקב"ה הכין ביצ"מ ב' הדרכים להיות הכנה לדורות להוציא הנצוצי קדושה שמתפזרים בין האומות.

And the Holy One prepared during the Exodus two paths as a preparation for all generations to extract the sparks of holiness dispersed among the nations.

The dual modes—tears and song—were embedded at the Exodus as tools for Israel’s ongoing spiritual mission.

כשזוכין יכולין להוציא ע"י שירה וזמרה.

When they are meritorious, they can extract them through song and melody.

In elevated times, spiritual repair occurs joyfully and effortlessly.

וכשאין זוכין הוא ע"י בכי'.

And when they are not meritorious, it is through weeping.

In diminished states, tears become the vehicle for releasing holiness.

ולעולם כחן של ישראל הוא בפה.

And always, the power of Israel is in the mouth.

The essential force of Israel lies in vocal expression—whether prayer or song.

[הקול קול יעקב הוא ב' קולות הנ"ל]:

“The voice is the voice of Jacob” refers to these two types of voices.

The Sefat Emet identifies Jacob’s “voice” as encompassing both lamentation and song.

Summary: The Sefat Emet teaches that redemption operates through two vocal modes—tears and song—rooted in the Exodus and manifest in Shabbat and the Seventh Day of Passover. These modes enable Israel to release the scattered sparks of holiness throughout history.