05/29/2026
Lecha Dodi from deserved a rhyming translation. This prayer was composed in by the 16th century and poet Shlomo Alkabetz, who embedded his name (Shlomo HaLevi) as an acrostic in the first letters of each Hebrew stanza, so I filmed this clip on Alkabetz Street during my recent visit to .
Lyrics:
L'cha Dodi, Likras Kallah
P'nei Shabbaos n'kabb'lah
Guard and remember were spoken in one word
The God of unity caused it to be heard
HASHEM is One and One is His Name
For fame, and for beauty, and to be proclaimed
Chorus
Go forth, to welcome Shabbat, let us come
For she is the source that the blessing is from
Chosen to begin with from ancient times
The last to be made, but the first in mind
Chorus
Holy royal city of the King
Rise up, from the midst of the ruins you’ll spring
Too long you’ve sat in that tearful valley
Now He will have pity and show you mercy
Chorus
Shake off the dust, rise up from below
My people get dressed in your beautiful clothes
The son of Yishai from Beit-Lechem near by
Draw my soul close and redeem it on high
Chorus
Wake your self, wake yourself, it’s the time
For Your light to come, rise up and shine
Wake up, wake up, and sing us a tale
Through you the glory of HASHEM is unveiled
Chorus
Don’t be ashamed, and don’t get confused
Why are you downcast? What makes you blue?
My afflicted people take refuge in you
On its site, the city, will be rebuilt anew
Chorus
And those who've plundered you will be repaid
All who would destroy you will be far away
Your God will rejoice over you at His side
Just as a groom rejoices over his bride
Chorus
To the right and left, you’ll spread out
And you shall worship HASHEM no doubt
With the man on hand who descends from Peretz
We’ll rejoice and be as happy as it gets
Chorus
Come, O crown of her husband, in peace
Rejoice and sing, let the gladness increase
Between the faithful precious human beings
Come O bride, O come Shabbas Queen
Chorus
