PHOTO- The dance of transcendence

“Sing to God (now).” With tambourine in hand, the women danced with total liberation, in a way that would only be fully accessed again in the future.

TRANSCENDENT DANCE,’ 50x70, acrylic paint and aggregate, 2020-2024.(photo credit: Courtesy Yoram Raanan)

By MEIRA RAANAN, ESTHER CAMERONJANUARY 26, 2024

“And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and danced. And Miriam called out to them, ‘Sing to God, for He has triumphed gloriously; He has thrown the horse and its rider into the sea’” (Exodus 15:20-21).

Miriam is referred to as the sister of Aaron because her prophecy began before Moses was born. According to the Talmud, she foretold that her mother would give birth to a boy who would lead the Israelite slaves to freedom. Now, after the crossing of the sea and the triumphant song of Moses and Israel, Miriam adds another level to the revelation at the sea by leading the women in singing and dancing to the sound of tambourines. 

Miriam’s song is written in the present tense, in the plural imperative – “Sing to God (now).” With tambourine in hand, the women danced with total liberation, in a way that would only be fully accessed again in the future. 

Check for detail: Jerusalem Post