Ana B’Koach

Ana B’Koach is an ancient prayer composed by Rav Nehunia Ben Hakannah. 

Known as the “42-letter Name of G-d,” Ana B’Koach is 42 words written in seven sentences of six words each. Each of the seven sentences correspond to a day of the week and to one of the Kabbalistic sefirot. The letters that make up Ana B’Koach are also the first 42 letters of the book of Bereshit (Genesis). The song is full of Kabbalistic secrets. 

Ana B’Koach is said on Shabbat, holidays, and is also part of the Bedtime Shema. Many have a custom to sing it by repeating each word seven times during Maariv and also after lighting the candles on Chanukah. 

Yosef Daniel composed this new melody for Ana B’Koach. “This is my Ana B’Koach. One day, I would like to have the honor of singing it for Rabbi Arush!“ 

LYRICS 

We beg You with the strength and greatness of Your right arm, untangle our knotted fate. 
 
Accept Your people’s song, elevate and purify us. 
 
Please, Heroic One, those who pursue Your uniqueness, guard them as the pupil of an eye. 
 
Bless them, purify them, pity them, may Your righteousness always reward them. 
 
Powerful and Holy One, in goodness lead Your flock. 
 
Unique and proud one, turn to Your people who remember Your holiness. 
 
Accept our cries, and hear our screams, oh knower of mysteries.