“AMEN SONGS”: Vehi She’amda (Yonatan Razel)

Yonatan Razel’s “Vehi She’amda” is a powerful declaration of Jewish resilience and divine protection. With the moving words, “Vehi She’amda l’avoteinu v’lanu” (“This is what has stood by our fathers and by us”), the song expresses an unbreakable connection between past and present, linking generations through faith and survival. Its message aligns beautifully with our theme, “Amen – Be a Blessing,” as it reminds us that our very existence is a testament to God’s enduring promise. This song is a blessing because it calls us to recognize that we are part of a sacred continuity, upheld by divine presence and strengthened by the unwavering faith of those who came before us.

The connection to Parashat Tzav and Passover deepens the song’s meaning. In Tzav, we learn about the perpetual fire on the altar—a flame that must never be extinguished, symbolizing ongoing devotion and divine presence in Jewish life. This mirrors the theme of “Vehi She’amda”, which testifies to the constancy of God’s protection, ensuring the Jewish people’s survival despite countless trials. Just as the fire on the altar was never allowed to die out, our faith and connection to God remain unbroken, passed from generation to generation.

During Passover, “Vehi She’amda” takes on even greater significance. The Haggadah recounts how, in every generation, enemies have risen against the Jewish people, yet God has always delivered us. The song transforms this history into an anthem of hope, urging us not only to remember past miracles but to celebrate the ongoing story of Jewish perseverance. It blesses us with the awareness that we are not alone—our ancestors stood strong, and so shall we.

As we sing “Vehi She’amda” during the Passover Seder, we affirm that faith itself is an act of resistance and survival. Just as the Israelites endured and emerged from Egypt’s darkness into redemption, we too carry forward this legacy of resilience. The song reminds us that by standing firm in our faith and embracing our heritage, we continue to be a blessing to future generations, ensuring that the fire of Jewish identity and devotion never fades.