In the waning of Chanukah

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 mighty sounding.

Children of the martyr race, whether free or fettered,
Wake the echoes of the songs where ye may be scattered.
Yours the message cheering that the time is nearing
Which will see, all men free, tyrants disappearing.

It's written in an old fashioned stilted English. Each time I hear the English version my brain gets stopped in its tracks by by the rhyming of word and sword and I am unable to process any more of the lyrics.

I discovered yesterday, that the lyrics were written by Marcus Jastrow and Gustav Gottheil . Both were serious scholars and were the great lights of the Reform movement in 19th century America. These big deal scholars writing the English version of Maoz Tzur is the equivalent of Bobby Orr being your kids' coach in Pee Wee Hockey.

Work has been progressing on Miles' tallit.

My Chanukiya has been cleaned up and is back in it's home in our living room.

כִּי אָרְכָה לָנוּ הַשָּׁעָה וְאֵין קֵץ לִימֵי הָרָעָה.

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