This poem/song is part of the Kabbalat Shabbat (Receiving the Sabbath) service and was composed by Rabbi Shlomo HaLevi Alkebitz (1505 – 1584). R’ Alkebitz was one of the disciples of the ARI-ZAL (Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, 1534 – 1572), the father of modern Jewish mystical discipline) in Sefat, Palestine. The primary goal of the ARI-ZAL (the “lion” of blessed memory) and his disciples was to bring the redemption that would herald the Messiah. The poem and our refrain, centers on various biblical references to the messianic redemption and the last verse returns to the theme of the Sabbath.
Hebrew is a gender based language and Shabbat reflects a feminine construct. Therefore, the imagery of a bride in the refrain: Lecho dodi likras kaloh, p'nei Shabbos nekabloh - Go my Friend (referring to God) to greet the bride - Let us welcome the manifestation of Shabbos!
Our rendition of this poem encompasses the last four of nine verses.
Lecha dodi...
.............................................................................
Don’t be ashamed or humiliated, have no fears or doubts.
In you will My oppressed people find respite, as the city is rebuilt on the hilltop.
Come to greet and receive the presence of the Sabbath bride.
Those that oppressed you shall be beaten and distance those that consumed you.
God will rejoice in you, as a bridegroom with a bride.
Come to greet and receive the presence of the Sabbath bride.
To right and left you will burst forth, and the Lord will reveal Hus might.
Through the son of Perez, we will rejoice and be glad.
Come to greet and receive the presence of the Sabbath bride.
Come in peace, O’ crown of her mate in happinees and joy.
With the faithful of Your chosen nation, come O’ Bride, come O’ Bride.
Come to greet and receive the presence of the Sabbath bride.
credits
from Live - Pitchu Li / Open up the Gates,
track released December 5, 2010
Reb Yosil Rosenzweig: Acoustic 12 Sting Guitar & Vocals
Joe Stanley: Electric Guitar
Ruby Harris: Violin
Marcus Roland: Drums
Dan Wolak: Purcussion
David Appelman: Sax
Mark Betz: Bass
Baker is a new project from childhood pals Mishal Moore & Richard Cortez with a lo-fi, bluesy n' soulful southern vibe. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 24, 2014
Poet aja monet explores Black resistance, love, and joy with musical backing by Chief Adjuah, Weedie Braimah, Samora Pinderhughes, and more. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 9, 2023
The latest album by Phill Reynolds, a project of Italian singer Silva Martino Cantele, takes listeners on an Americana-fueled musical ride. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 8, 2022
