Ma’oz Tzur • Mi Y’maleil

I Have a Little Dreidel • Oh Hanukkah

 

Ma’oz Tzur

Ma’oz Tzur, or “Rock of Ages,” is a traditional Hanukkah song that was composed by a man named Mordecia in Europe in the twelfth century. Both the Hebrew and English words can be sung with the traditional melody, though throughout the centuries a number of different tunes have been used to accompany Ma’oz Tzur.

Rock of Ages, let our song praise Your saving power.
You amid the raging throng were our sheltering tower.
Furious they assailed us, but Your help availed us.
And Your word broke their sword when our own strength failed us.

Mi Y’maleil

Who can retell the things that befell them,
Who can count them?
In every age, a hero or sage
came to our aid.
Hark! In days of yore
In Israel’s ancient land,
Brave Maccabeus led the faithful band.
But now all Israel must as one arise,
Redeem itself through deed and sacrifice.

 

I Have a Little Dreidel


I have a little dreidel,
I made it out of clay.
And when it’s dry and ready,
Oh dreidel I shall play.
(Chorus)
Oh dreidel, dreidel, dreidel,
I made it out of clay;
And when its dry and ready,
Then dreidel I shall play.
It has a lovely body,
With legs so short and thin.
And when it gets all tired,
It drops and then I win.
(Chorus)

 

Oh Hanukkah

Oh Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah,
Come light the menorah.
Let’s have a party,
We’ll all dance the hora.
Gather round the table,
We’ll give you a treat.
S’vivon to play with,
Latkes to eat