“AMEN SONGS”: Forever Young (Rod Stewart)

November 13, 2024

Cantor Eyal Bitton highlights a song that connects with this year’s Congregation Neveh Shalom theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing.”


Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young” is a poignant and heartfelt blessing that beautifully aligns with this year’s synagogue theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing.” The song speaks directly to the hope of passing on love, wisdom, and values, encapsulating the idea of being a source of blessing for others. Its lyrics reflect a parental or mentor-like wish for the next generation, filled with encouragement for courage, kindness, and integrity. This universal message resonates deeply with the spiritual call to not only receive blessings but also to embody and share them.

In Parashat Chayei Sara, we see this idea of blessing reflected in the life of Abraham and the legacy he seeks to ensure through Isaac. Just as “Forever Young” wishes for guiding light and enduring connection, Abraham’s servant, in seeking a wife for Isaac, acts as an agent of that blessing, bringing Rebekah into Isaac’s life to continue the lineage and fulfill God’s promises. The song’s recurring blessing of “May the good Lord be with you” mirrors the divine blessings that Abraham and Isaac carry forward, ensuring that their journey is not only guided by faith but also extends that faith to future generations.

“Forever Young” reminds us of the power of blessings as expressions of love and hope, and it challenges us to walk through life with a sense of purpose and care for others. Just as the parasha emphasizes building a legacy rooted in values and commitment, the song inspires us to live in a way that ensures those who follow us feel both empowered and cherished. It is a fitting choice to highlight this week as we reflect on our own role in being a blessing to others.

FOREVER YOUNG

May the good Lord be with youDown every road you roamAnd may sunshine and happinessSurround you when you’re far from home
And may you grow to be proudDignified and trueAnd do unto othersAs you’d have done to you
Be courageous and be brave
And in my heart you’ll always stayForever young, forever youngForever young, forever young
May good fortune be with youMay your guiding light be strongBuild a stairway to HeavenWith a prince or a vagabond
And may you never love in vainAnd in my heart you will remainForever young, forever young
And when you finally fly awayI’ll be hoping that I served you wellFor all the wisdom of a lifetimeNo one can ever tell
But whatever road you chooseI’m right behind you, win or loseForever young, forever young