Instrumentation: 3-part treble choir & piano
Duration: 2:00
Program Note
The story of Chanukah is about the fight for survival of the Jewish religion, which the Syrian-Greek King Antiochus IV tried to eradicate in favor of the worship of Zeus. A resistance movement, consisting of the priest Mattathias and his five sons, whose leader was Judas Maccabeus, sprang up. Others joined and the larger group, traditionally called the ‘Maccabees,’ prevailed.
The rededication of the Temple, which had been despoiled, led to the story of the miracle of one day’s worth of oil lasting for eight days to keep the ‘ner t’amid (eternal flame) burning. I understand this as a symbol of overcoming against overwhelming odds. Throughout history, terrible efforts have been made to destroy Judaism. Yet, as in the days of the Maccabees, it survives. I composed both the lyrics and music for Chanukah We Celebrate to contribute to the observance of this festive holiday. –JS
Chorus:
Chanukah, we celebrate,
Chanukah, rededicate, |
Chanukah, eight nights and days,
Light the candles, see them blaze.
Verse 1
King Antiochus tried to make us bow,
But Judah and his brothers taught us to stand proud.
We fought three years so we could all be free,
And a miracle occurred when we lit the ner t’amid
Verse 2
All the oil was in a tiny jar,
We knew it would not last, it couldn’t go far,
But on and on it burned, Its glow so bright,
And ever since we celebrate the festival of lights.
© 2024, Judith Shatin, All Rights Reserved