Rex Isenberg

Ravta et rivam

SATB chorus | 3 minutes

Ravta et rivam is a setting of a portion of the Hebrew prayer Al HaNissim ("On the Miracles"), recited on the Jewish festival of Chanukah. The prayer is an expression of gratitude for God's intervention on behalf of the Jews in their revolt against their Syrian-Greek oppressors in the 2nd century BC, one of the miracles associated with Chanukah. For Jews, the eight-day holiday is both a celebratory and solemn observance. Chanukah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates both the Jewish victory and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following their triumph, each described in this text. This setting captures both the joyous and reverent nature of Chanukah.

Text
Jewish prayer for Hanukkah (Al-Hanissim)

Language
Hebrew (biblical) OR English

English version:

You, Almighty God, boundless in Your mercy, stood by Your loyal people in the time of their distress. You fought all their fights, and defended them from destruction. You delivered the wicked and mighty to the hands of the righteous few, and the faithless to those who abide by Your Torah.

You made a great and holy Name for Yourself within Your nation, and redeemed Your people Israel, and brought to them salvation and deliverance that shields them from harm to this day.

Then came Your children to cleanse Your sacred temple, and restore Your holy places, and kindle lights within Your courtyards to shine forever.

And they established these eight days to honor Your greatness, and give thanks and praise to You, O God.

May Your Name be most blessed. Amen.

Commission
Cantori New York

Performances (selected)
Cantori New York

St. Olaf Cantorei Choir

Angeles Chorale

North Carolina Master Chorale