Tracks
Liner Notes
During Hanukka, Psalm 30 is recited or sung in the synagogue, both because of its reference to deliverance and because it is thought to have been written or adopted for the original dedication of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem, or perhaps the Second Temple.
Mizmor shir hanukkat habbayit is emblematic of Solomon Ancis’s finely honed skill in writing for male voice choir, with its distinctive timbres and idioms, along with his appreciation for traditional cantorial style. It has been used frequently for Shabbat Hanukka services—Sabbaths that occur during the eight-day festival.
Lyrics
Sung in Hebrew
PSALM 30
A Psalm of David. A song for dedication of the house.
I extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up, and not let my enemies rejoice over me.
O Lord, my God, I cried out to You, and You healed me.
O Lord, You brought me up from Sheol, preserved me from going down into the Pit.
O you faithful of the Lord, sing to Him, and praise His holy name.
For He is angry but a moment, and when He is pleased there is life.
One may lie down weeping at nightfall; but at dawn there are shouts of joy.
When I was untroubled, I thought, “I shall never be shaken,” for You, O Lord, when You were pleased, made [me] firm as a mighty mountain.
When You hid Your face, I was terrified. I called to You, O Lord; to my Lord I made appeal, “What is to be gained from my death, from my descent into the Pit?
Can dust praise You?
Can it declare Your faithfulness? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me;
O Lord, be my help!”
You turned my lament into dancing, you undid my sackcloth and girded me with joy, That [my] whole being might sing hymns to You endlessly; O Lord my God, I will praise You forever.
JPS Tanakh
Credits
Composer: Solomon AncisPerformers: Neil Levin, Conductor; Benzion Miller, Tenor; Schola Hebraeica
