Mama Rochel

Picture of tomb – By Daniel Ventura – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Composed By Abie Rotenberg (Journeys, Vol. 4) 

Sung by Yaakov Shwekey 

LYRICS

With the rising sun, on her wedding day, 
She raised her eyes to the Heavens, 
And she thanked Hashem, for the man of truth 
With whom she would build a nation. 

But with nightfall came, Destiny betrayed, 
The veil concealing another. 
Yet her sister’s shame, not her shattered dreams, 
Took hold of her heart and her senses.

Mama Rochel, cry for us again, 
Won’t you shed a tear for your dear children? 
If you raise your sweet voice now as then the day will come. 
Mama Rochel, cry for us again, 
Won’t you shed a tear for your dear children? 
Bi’zchutaich v’shavu vonim lig’vulom. [In your merit, your children will return to their borders.]

 
In a roadside grave she was laid to rest 
In solitude, forever 
But her voice gave hope to the broken hearts 
Of her daughters and sons bound for exile. 

When her plaintive cry gained divine consent 
A challenge to her Maker 
Can the mercy of mere flesh and blood 
Run deeper than Your’s, our Creator? 

Mama Rochel, cry for us again, 
Won’t you shed a tear for your dear children? 
If you raise your sweet voice now as then the day will come. 
Mama Rochel, cry for us again, 
Won’t you shed a tear for your dear children? 
Bi’zchutaich v’shavu vonim lig’vulom. [In your merit, your children will return to their borders.] 

Now your voice is still, as you heed the call 
Of m’mi kolaich mi’bechi 
It’s our Father’s will, He who made us all 
Dare we ask of you to defy Him? 

Yet a frightened child, numb from pain and grief 
Remains forlorn and uncertain 
Clinging to the faith that it can be heard 
As it cries out to its mother.