Just a couple of thoughts about Maoz Tzur before darkness falls and Chanukah is officially over. Most Jewish liturgical poetry that does a sweep of history like Dayenu the hopes for the rebuilding of the temple are usually found in the last stanza. Maoz Tzur begins with the hopes of a future redemption rather than ending with it. You can take that thought wherever you want to go with it. Many of my readers may be familiar with the English lyrics of the poem rather than the original Hebrew. Rock of Ages, let our song, praise Thy saving power; Thou, amidst the raging foes, wast our sheltering tower. Furious they assailed us, but Thine arm availed us, And Thy Word broke their sword, when our own strength failed us. Kindling new the holy lamps, priests, approved in suffering, Purified the nation's shrine, brought to God their offering. And His courts surrounding, hear, in joy abounding, Happy throngs, singing songs with a migh...
A blog, mostly about my work making Jewish ritual objects, but with detours into garment making, living in New York City, cooking, and other aspects of domestic life. A note about comments: I love comments from readers, from spammers, not so much. I approve comments before posting them so comments are not cluttered with junk. It may take a few hours before your posts appear. Be patient. If you are a real person with a real comment it will be posted.