“AMEN SONGS”: Bendigamos (Ladino)

“Bendigamos al Altísimo,” a beloved Ladino prayer song, powerfully embodies our theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing.” The song’s title, which translates to “Let us bless the Almighty,” calls us to recognize and express gratitude for God’s presence in our lives. Through its heartfelt lyrics, such as “Bendigamos al Señor, que sus dones nos ha dado” (“Let us bless the Lord, who has given us His gifts”), the song reminds us that gratitude is central to our relationship with God. It teaches us that to be a blessing is not only to receive but to give back—to acknowledge, to praise, and to share our gratitude with others. This melody, familiar to many as the tune for “Az Yashir Moshe” on Shabbat mornings and “Hodu” during festivals, reinforces this timeless message of thankfulness and joy within our communal worship.

The connection to Parashat Terumah is especially meaningful. In this portion, the Israelites are called upon to bring their offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle—a sacred space built through generosity and devotion. Just as the materials given by each person contributed to a dwelling place for God, “Bendigamos al Altísimo” encourages us to offer our voices and hearts in creating a spiritual sanctuary. The song reminds us that true blessing comes not only from what we receive but from what we contribute—whether through tangible gifts or through the simple yet profound act of raising our voices in collective praise.

In the same way that the Tabernacle was built through voluntary gifts, our communities today are strengthened through our willingness to give—our time, our kindness, and our gratitude. Singing “Bendigamos al Altísimo” is an expression of this giving spirit, uniting us in a shared purpose of honoring God and uplifting one another. As we reflect on the themes of Terumah, we are reminded that every blessing we have is an opportunity to contribute to something greater than ourselves, transforming gratitude into action and faith into a lasting legacy.