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  1. Lecha Dodi

From the recording Aliyah

“Lecha Dodi” is a liturgical song written by a Kabbalist from Tzfat named Rabbi Shlomo Halevi Alkabetz in the 16th century. We sing this song during the Kabbalat Shabbat service to welcome the holiday. The lyrics to its chorus, which is the chorus to this song, translate to “Come, my beloved, towards the bride, and receive the presence of Shabbat”. The bride could refer to the Shabbat itself, to God, or the singer’s friends to join with the singer to welcome and celebrate the holiday. My adaptation of “Lecha Dodi” makes much of what I love about Shabbat, which is also the beginning of the weekend, pretty clear – it’s a chance for me to forget the petty stresses of the week, to relax and let go, and to spend quality time with the people I love.

Lyrics

Get out the shower and I’m ready for the weekend
It took so long to begin
I’ll light some candles, put Pandora on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I just want you to come in

When you wrap your arms around me
Monday goes out of my mind
Your kisses on my face they
Let me leave Tuesday behind
Wednesday and Thursday follow
When you whisper in my ear
Telling me it’s all over, baby
Telling me Friday night is here

Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah
Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah

Now we’re surrounded by the kids you can’t get tired of
They keep us laughing all night
So several hours pass and baby, it’s no longer Friday
We’re doing Saturday right


When you wrap your arms around me
Monday goes out of my mind
Your kisses on my face they
Let me leave Tuesday behind
Wednesday and Thursday follow
When you whisper in my ear
Telling me it’s all over, baby
Telling me Friday night is here

Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah
Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah

So whatcha waiting for
This room looks like a dance floor
Don’t make me ask again
We’re among friends

Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah
Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah

Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah
Lecha dodi likrat kallah
P’nei Shabbat n’kabelah