In the midst of a broken reality, a new song was born – “Elohey Hayeladim” (G-d of the Children) – a heartfelt prayer for all of our children, may they grow from this as well.
Lyrics Translation- Gd of the Children
Music & Lyrics: Nina Tokayer
Let the six-pack of water in the shelter remain full for years
Let them sleep peacefully, even through intercepted rockets above
Keep them safe but never detached
Strong but never indifferent
May they continue to pray for the wounded and believe in miracles
G-d of the children
Let them grow healthy and trusting
Even in a world still upended
Even while everything is changing
Grant them strength to grow from this too
Let me serve as their safe haven and lighthouse
And from within the pain let them also learn to support and assist
Let us manage to banish the shadows
Though we too feel fear at times
Let us love without end, and never stop celebrating life
G-d of the children…
Show me that this is possible,
that they have the strength and can
Go through this journey, larger than life
Just as I grew up in Jerusalem at the century’s birth
With sirens in Emek Refaim
And a mother who said never give in
And we’ll continue to travel the land…
G-d of the children
Let us grow healthy and trusting
Even in a world upended
When instability reigns
Grant us strength to grow from this too
***
This song was originally written for “Az Nashir” – a collection of women’s prayers for our times, printed into a beautiful book. Special thanks to the editors Rachel Sharansky and Shira Lankin-Sheps who suggested that we participate in the project, and thus gave birth to this song.
Thank you to all the sweet children who took part in making this music video
