This evocative piece draws its inspiration from Bereishis 49:18, “For your salvation I do long, Hashem,” a poignant verse embedded in Jacob’s blessings to his son, Dan. The words of Yaakov prophetically predict the future, portraying the life of Shimshon, a descendent of Dan and a judge of Israel. Known for his wisdom and strength, Shimshon’s final moments were marked by tragedy and triumph. Blinded and humiliated before his enemies, he beseeched the Almighty to grant him one last act of divine retribution. With his hands on the temple pillars, he brought the structure down, annihilating his foes and himself, thereby achieving an important victory. This song not only recounts Shimshon’s heroic demise but also explores the mystical power of the verse when read in reverse. It’s said to invoke divine names, beseeching God to repel our adversaries, causing them to fall backwards in the same way the pasuk is read backwards. This musical rendition is a journey through hope, despair, and the eternal longing for salvation.

My composition of this song is deeply personal and rooted in a cherished nightly ritual. The words, originating from the bedtime prayer, are ones I’ve long recited to my children. While most of the verses already had melodies I could share, these particular words remained without a tune. Driven by a desire to provide a musical embrace to this powerful prayer, I crafted this melody so that I could sing it to my children each night, enveloping them in the comfort of tradition and the tender promise of protection as they drift to sleep.

Performed by Benzion Klatzko and Azarya Klatzko
Child Soloist – Meyer Klatzko
Composed by Benzion Klatzko
Arranged by Yisroel Ament
A Shabbat.com Project