A song for Parasha Shemot

While I was preparing a project for the children to work on, a tune came to my head. I love when that happens, it reminds me of what it might have been like for the Rebbes to hum their niggunim. I know my little tunes may not be from the highest of the mystical places, but nonetheless, they feel like they come somewhere up there. As the tune became more and more defined so did some words. So here are the words to my once wordless melody. I thought I would teach it to the children, but that I think is a bit too long for them. It is rather a folksy tune, so it would be better at a campfire with a guitar and my new mandolin.

Shemot

In Mitzrayim we were enslaved,
Treated badly every day.
The Paro made a cruel decree,
but Shifra and Pu'ah did not agree.

(Chorus)

Soon there will come a day,
The Jewish Nation will all say:
Geulah is finally here!
Baruch Hashem the day is near!

Yocheved trusted in Hashem,
She knew in this she could depend.
Moshe down the river went
In the clay lined box that he was sent.

(Chorus)

Soon there will come a day,
The Jewish Nation will all say:
Geulah is finally here!
Baruch Hashem the day is near!

Batya heard a baby cry,
And stretched her hand to find out why.
Hidden in reeds no one could see
Miriam watching carefully.

(Repeat chorus)

Batya saw the baby was a Jew,
And Miriam knew just what to do!
She came out of her hiding place
And gazed into the princess' face.

(Repeat chorus)

"A nurse for the baby I shall find,
A gentle woman good and kind."
Miriam ran to her family,
And told her mother so she would see.

(Repeat chorus)

Yocheved nursed her baby boy,
Her heart was bursting with such joy!
Back to the palace Moshe was sent,
Until the time that he was meant.

(Repeat chorus)

Soon there will come a day,
The Jewish Nation will all say:
Geulah is finally here!
Baruch Hashem the day is near!

By Philly Farmgirl Tevet 5769/01-2009