Leah, not loved, yet cherished
by Caroline Maas
The Hebrew word ‘Hallel’ (Hay, Lamed, Lamed) means ‘to praise’. In our songbook we find songs containing the word ‘Hallelujah’ that we sing on cheerful melodies in our gatherings. We praise the Eternal One by singing the Psalms in general, and particularly the ‘Hallel Psalms’ 113-118 and 136, for they have a special place in liturgy.
In the Tenach we read many examples of Israel being oppressed, discarded, cast off or even threatened by death. Israel is not loved by her enemies, yet cherished ‘for the sake of the fathers’. Praising the Eternal One in the middle of being threatened by death, singing praises while the enemy is running after you! What is that? Is it a sacrifice of praise? Is it spiritual warfare?
The enemy is seeking to impose silence upon Israel, to shut her up, so that Israel will stop praising the Eternal One. The enemy is attacking, but instead of wincing or creeping away, the opposite happens. Israel is shouting, crying, cheering and praising the Eternal One. Israel is blowing the Shofar, singing, dancing and praising the Eternal One. Inspiring examples of the battle and victory are Moshe, David, Ezra and Nehemiah. Is it only the men of Israel that praise the Eternal One? No, fortunately there are also women that praise the Eternal One in their families.
I consider Leah to be a very special woman. The meaning of her name is ‘ wrestling, tired, exhausted, oppressed’. Leah was the first wife of Jacob. Gen. 29,31: “When Adonai saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb…” And Leah got pregnant, bore children, gave them meaningful names. Leah was seeking the love of her husband, but was unloved, for Jacob loved Rachel, his second wife, her sister. To Leah this must have been a tremendously fatiguing, sorrowful suffering in het marriage. It is noteworthy that Adonai sees and hears Leah and makes her happy as a mother with children. Very special it is that Leah felt being seen and heard by Adonai. Leah was also chosen to build the House of Israel (Ruth 4,11). She was also buried in the family grave in the cave of Machpela (Gen 49,31). The circumstances did not change for Leah, yet Leah praise the Eternal One. Leah called her fourth son ‘Judah’, which means ‘praise’. Leah said: “Now I will praise Adonai!”
What an example for us women. Imagine, you were struggling with oppression, sorrow and suffering. Could you praise Adonai, while the situation was staying the same? Yes, it is possible, that is your calling. You can praise the Eternal One because you are being seen and heard by the G’d of Israel. What a privilege to know Adonai and to be known by Him! To be chosen, called by The Eternal One to help building his Kingdom. To see and hear about the Son (Yeshua HaMashiach), to await the Son coming again to live with his people Israel and her soulmates, as He has lived before in the desert sanctuary and in the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. This desire, this expectation makes you praise, adore and worship Adonai with all your heart, all of your soul and everything that is within you. Do we really acknowledge what a privilege it is to praise the Eternal One? Do we expect Yeshua the mighty Hero to gain the victory over his enemies on behalf of Israel? Do we expect the Eternal One to work out and fulfill his plan through people that are called by Him?
Then praising Adonai is a result of a relationship: ‘knowing each other intimately’. The desire to be together, to be close to each other, to touch, to love, even to kiss: that is praise, coming together, celebration. To celebrate, because the victory has already been won by Yeshua HaMashiach. This love does not stay unnoticed, for you are delighted, enchanted and elated as a young child. You sparkle, you tingle, you shine, you sing, you dance, you skip, you make a cheerful sound, because you feel loved by Yeshua. This love and praise I wish for everybody that loves the G’d of Israel and Israel as a nation. The clapping dance can also be danced to song 89 from our songbook ‘Hoej’dot’: Zingt G’de, psalmzingt Zijn naam , from Psalm 68,5. Halleluyah!
CLAPPING DANCE
Speed Fast Abbreviations:
Rhythm 2/4 or 4/4 SBS Side By Side
Formation Cirlce or Line NHH NHH No Holding Hands
Direction All FWD Forward
BWD Backward
The following is a joyful dance, which can also be done in a line around the room, down a centre or side aisle etc. However please be aware of potential dangers such as wires, chair legs and handbags.
Counts Part A
Raise both arms up in front of a Lunge FWD
1 – 4 Run FWD 4 steps – starting on Right foot
5,6 Lunge FWD with Right foot – step OTS with Left foot
7,8 Lunge BWD with Right foot – step OTS with Left foot
Repeat part A
Counts Part B
For Rock movement – Hands are raised to shoulder level and rotated outwards
Or waist level palms down
1 – 4 Yemenite to the R (see Five basic steps for Yemenite step)
5 – 8 Yemenite to the L
1 – 4 Step FWD with Right foot – Hop on right foot
Step FWD with Left foot – Hop on Left foot
5 – 8 Rock SWS, OTS (R – L – R – L)
Verbal Cueing
Counts Part A
1 – 4 Run – 2 – 3 – 4
5 – 8 Forward – and – Back – and
1 – 4 Run – 2 – 3 – 4
5 – 8 Forward – and – Back – and
Counts Part B
1 – 4 Right – Behind – Front – Hop
5 – 8 Left – Behind – Front – Hop
1 – 4 Right – Hop – Left – Hop
5 – 8 Rock – 2 – 3 – 4