Rachel Imenu’s Hope (4-Minute Music Video)
A few months ago I was at a bat mitzvah of an old friend, and what she told her daughter moved me to tears.
She told her, “My dear daughter, today you are now a Jewish woman. And that means that all of our great matriarchs are within you. You are their daughter, and their greatness flows through your blood.
“Sara had great strength to withstand great challenges. And that great strength is within you.
Rivka had the tremendous wisdom to shape the spiritual path of the Jewish people. And that tremendous wisdom is within you.
Leah had awe-inspiring power of prayer, with which she changed her fate. And that awe-inspiring power of prayer is within you.
And Rachel had, and to this day has, unwavering hope that no matter how hopeless things might seem, Hashem will finally bring all of her children home. And that unwavering hope, dear daughter, is within you.
This beautiful song by Franciska Kay, Kol B’Rama, gave me goosebumps. Since I heard it yesterday, I have been singing it all day:) Lyrics below…
Lyrics (from Jeremiah 31)
כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, קוֹל בְּרָמָה נִשְׁמָע נְהִי בְּכִי תַמְרוּרִים–רָחֵל, מְבַכָּה עַל-בָּנֶיהָ; מֵאֲנָה לְהִנָּחֵם עַל-בָּנֶיהָ, כִּי אֵינֶנּוּ.
Thus says the LORD: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are not.
כֹּה אָמַר יְהוָה, מִנְעִי קוֹלֵךְ מִבֶּכִי, וְעֵינַיִךְ, מִדִּמְעָה: כִּי יֵשׁ שָׂכָר לִפְעֻלָּתֵךְ נְאֻם-יְהוָה, וְשָׁבוּ מֵאֶרֶץ אוֹיֵב
Thus says the LORD: Refrain thy voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD; and they shall come back from the land of the enemy.
וְיֵשׁ-תִּקְוָה לְאַחֲרִיתֵךְ, נְאֻם-יְהוָה; וְשָׁבוּ בָנִים, לִגְבוּלָם.
And there is hope for your future, says the LORD; and your children will return to their own border.
The Shofar Sounds at Kever Rachel Imeinu
by Evelyn Haies, president RCRF
(C) July 31, 2001
Sounds are heard on ramah, exultant sounds
Sounds are heard at Kever Rachel Imeinu, exultant sounds of prayer
Sounds are heard on ramah, exultant sounds are heard above the tears.
Sounds so deep and sounds so pure
Sounds so sad and sounds so glad
for loved ones lost
and loved ones spared
for dear ones past
and dreams that last
Sounds are heard at Kever Rachel Imeinu
from hearts so sullen
from hearts so full
from souls so stricken
from souls arisen.
Sounds are heard, exultant sounds
of hope and faith
emunah and bitachon.
The shofar sounds, the shofar sounds
awards those present.
Awards. Rewards.
The shofar sounds ascend on ramah
for Rachel Imeinu
and her children dear
because they’re near
and because they care.
Because they care, the shofar sounds,
ascends on ramah,
because they care
and have returned.
The shofar sounds at Kever Rachel Imeinu
sounds fill the heart,
elevate the spirit
keep Klal Yisroel within Rachel Imeinu’s borders
keep Rachel’s children together even if apart. .
What a beautiful song!!! Paired with these words it is very powerful!
Thank you for sharing!! Who is this singer? Does she live in Israel?
She lives in Philadelphia, but grew up in Moscow (she is the daughter of the Chief Rabbi). Here’s her bio:
Franciska Kay has completed her third solo album \”Misheberach\”. Kay toured with an award winning group \”Ilanit\” , and instrumentally accompanied singer Rachel Factor, formerly on Broadway.
Franciska started playing the piano at age 6, and started composing and learning guitar at 10. Kay graduated with a Bachelor\’s in Business while attending Juiiliard. She is continuing studies in music individually and teaching her own students.
Music is a fundamental part of Franciska\’s life. Franciska is an Orthodox Jew, and is inspired by the meaningful words of the psalms and prayers, by which she is able to express herself through her inner passion for composition. She loves to sing, teach and bring happiness to other’s lives.
Franciska\’s music can be purchased at http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/FranciskaKosman