Triumph of Spirit

by Lisa Baydush © 2002

It happened so long ago,

this story that we all know,

The triumph of our people’s love for God!

When a small Jewish band of Maccabees took a stand and said no.

That tiny group of Jews,

for sure you’d think they’d lose

To a much stronger foe, but wouldn’t you know, they won!

When a small Jewish band of Maccabees took a stand and said no.

The miracle I’d say is not how many days

The oil could last with the temple smashed and burned.

But how inspired Jews put all their faith in God

And dared to have their rights returned.

We celebrate today

the freedom we have to pray,

And remember the ones who’d overcome their fear,

Who fought for our right to light these candles tonight,

And had the courage to say Shalom!

Baruch-ata Adonai Elohenu melech ha’olam

Sheasa nisim la’avotenu bayamim hahem bazman hazeh.

It happened so long ago,

this story that we all know,

the triumph of our people’s love for God!

when a small Jewish band of Maccabees took a stand and said no.

They demanded their rights,

they wouldn’t give up the fight, and said no-o-o.

The Maccabees had it right when they took up the fight and said no!