“AMEN SONGS”: Shiru Shir Amen (Yardena Arazi)
March 12, 2025
Cantor Eyal Bitton highlights a song that connects with this year’s Congregation Neveh Shalom theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing.”
“Shiru Shir Amen” by Yardena Arazi is an uplifting anthem of hope and faith, celebrating the unifying power of music. With its joyful refrain—“Shiru, shiru shir amen, amen” (“Sing, sing a song, amen, amen”)—the song invites us to join in communal expression, affirming that through music, we find strength, connection, and renewal. This message resonates powerfully with our theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing,” reminding us that to sing together is to affirm hope, to strengthen our faith, and to be a blessing to one another. The song teaches that even in uncertain times, music can unite us, offering comfort and a reminder that hope is never lost.
This theme aligns beautifully with Parashat Ki Tisa, which recounts both the Israelites’ greatest failure—the sin of the Golden Calf—and their path to forgiveness and renewal. In the aftermath of their mistake, it is Moses’ plea and God’s enduring compassion that restore hope to the people. Just as the song calls us to sing Amen and believe in better days, Ki Tisa reassures us that despite setbacks, repentance and faith can bring us back to a place of closeness with God. Singing “Shiru Shir Amen” becomes an expression of this journey—acknowledging our struggles, embracing hope, and affirming that renewal is always possible.
The song’s connection to Purim is equally meaningful. Purim is a time of joy and celebration, yet it carries a profound lesson of faith and resilience. The Purim story teaches us that even when circumstances seem bleak, hidden blessings and redemption are possible. Just as “Shiru Shir Amen” proclaims that hope is not lost and dreams are within reach, the story of Esther and Mordechai reminds us that courage and unity can turn the tide of destiny. The joyous communal singing of Purim reflects the spirit of the song—acknowledging life’s uncertainties while celebrating the blessings of faith, perseverance, and shared joy.
Through its uplifting melody and hopeful lyrics, “Shiru Shir Amen” encourages us to embrace both the challenges and the blessings of life with song and faith. As we reflect on Ki Tisa and celebrate Purim, we are reminded that music has the power to inspire hope, bring people together, and remind us that no matter how difficult the journey, the promise of renewal is always within reach. Singing Amen—whether in times of celebration or uncertainty—is a way to reaffirm our belief in a brighter future and to become a blessing to those around us.
SHIRU SHIR AMEN (English Translation)
In these turbulent days,
When the heart cannot find rest,
A person lifts their eyes, seeking
A little perfect peace.
In nights a thousand times more troubled,
When no light can be found,
One feels so close
To Mother Earth.
Sing a song of amen,
Sing a song of amen,
And we’ll see that hope is not lost.
Sing a song of amen,
Sing a song of amen,
And we’ll know for sure that this is no dream.
And better days than these
Will rise from the storm,
And a little calm
Will come to the soul.
In peaceful nights of wonder,
That will come soon,
We will still love
Mother Earth deeply.
Sing a song of amen,
Sing a song of amen,
And we’ll see that hope is not lost.
Sing a song of amen,
Sing a song of amen,
And we’ll know for sure that this is no dream.
Hebrew Lyrics
בימים טרופים כאלה
כשהלב אינו נרגע
האדם נושא עיניו למעט שלווה תמה
בלילות טרופים פי אלף
באין אור אשר ייגה
הוא מרגיש קרוב לאמא אדמה
שירו שיר אמן
שירו שיר אמן
ונראה שהתקווה לא אבודה
שירו שיר אמן
שירו שיר אמן
ונראה ודאי שאין זו אגדה
וימים טובים מאלה
יעלו מן הסערה
ויבוא מעט מרגוע גם לנשמה
בלילות שלווים של פלא
שיבוא במהרה
עוד נאהב מאוד את אמא אדמה
שיר שיר אמן