THIS day is for Israel light and rejoicing, A Sabbath of rest. Thou badest us standing assembled at Sinai That all the years through we should keep thy behest— To set out a table full-laden, to honor The Sabbath of rest. This day is for Israel light and rejoicing, A Sabbath of rest. Treasure of heart for the broken people, Gift of new soul for the souls distrest, Soother of sighs for the prisoned spirit— The Sabbath of rest. This day is for Israel light and rejoicing, A Sabbath of rest. When the work of the worlds in their wonder was finished, Thou madest this day to be holy and blest, And those heavy-laden find safety and stillness, A Sabbath of rest. This day is for Israel light and rejoicing, A Sabbath of rest. If I keep Thy command I inherit a kingdom, If I treasure the Sabbath I bring Thee the best— The noblest of offerings, the sweetest of incense— A Sabbath of rest. This day is for Israel light and rejoicing, A Sabbath of rest. Restore us our shrine—O remember our ruin And save now and comfort the sorely opprest Now sitting at Sabbath, all singing and praising The Sabbath of rest. This day is for Israel light and rejoicing, A Sabbath of rest. Attributed to ISAAC LURIA. |