Rock of ages, let our song Praise Your saving power; You, amid the raging foes, Were our sheltering tower. Furious they assailed us, But Your arm availed us, And Your word, Broke their sword, When our own strength failed us. This is the first stanza of the song Maoz Tzur which recounts the many times that God has delivered the Jewish people from their foes. The first stanza, which is the one that is usually sung on Hanukkah, thanks God for this protection. The following stanzas talk about the Israelite exodus from Egypt as well as liberation from Babylonia, Persia and Syria. The fifth verse retells the story of Hanukkah, saying: The Greeks gathered against me...they broke down the walls of my towers, and defiled all the oils. But from the last remaining flask a miracle was wrought. Altogether Maoz Tzur has six stanzas. Maoz Tzur, which means Rock of Ages in Hebrew, is a popular Hanukkah song that is often sung after reciting the Hanukkah blessings and lighting the Menorah. It is also a favorite song in synagogue religious schools, where children will sometimes put on a holiday performance for their parents and family in celebration of Hanukkah.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 02:43:18 +0000