Shabbat Sermon: Listening to Beyonce in a Time of War with Rabbi Wes Gardenswartz

Published: April 13, 2024, 5:47 p.m.

Within the last few weeks, something has happened to give me a new lease on life. A new glide in my stride. We are all looking for hope and energy, and I got mine from an unexpected source: the release of Beyonce\u2019s new album of country music, Cowboy Carter, in particular one incredible song, a duet with Miley Cyrus called II Most Wanted. I have listened to this song easily 100 times in the last few weeks. I listen to it in the kitchen when I am doing dishes. I listen to it in the family room when I am folding laundry. I listen to it in the gym when I am working out. I listen to it in my bedroom when I am getting dressed. Shira thinks that listening to the same song 100 times is excessive. Can you believe that? Every time she walks into a room where the song is playing, she says: again?

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I love this song for so many reasons. Beyonce\u2019s voice is beautiful, Miley Cyrus\u2019s voice is beautiful, and their voices together are beyond gorgeous.\t

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I love this song because the melody is also gorgeous.

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But mostly I love this song because of its message.