| Joseph Friedlander, comp. The Standard Book of Jewish Verse. 1917. | | | | Chanukah | | By Louis Stern |
| | I WE welcome thee joyfully, glorious night, | |
| We hail thee with pleasure, O Chanukah light! | |
| Its lustre so brilliant, invites us to joy, | |
| Invites us to praise Him, the great Adonoy. | |
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| He was our Redeemer in dark days of old, | 5 |
| When Syria’s mad ruler, proud, cruel, and bold, | |
| Proclaimed through Judea: “Your God I defy; | |
| Bow down to my idols and worship—or die!” | |
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| Of brave, pious martyrs these bright candles tell, | |
| Who yielded their soul, praying: “Hear, Israel!” | 10 |
| Of Hannah, the mother and seven sons so dear, | |
| Who sealed with their life-blood their faith without fear. | |
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| But Israel’s God never slumbers nor sleeps, | |
| He ever is near him who mournfully weeps, | |
| He saw our oppression, and, hearing our pleas, | 15 |
| Awakened, to save us the brave Maccabees. | |
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| Be welcome then, welcome, O glorious night, | |
| We hail thee with pleasure, O Chanukah light! | |
| Its lustre, so brilliant invites us to joy, | |
| Invites us to praise Him the great Adonoy! | 20 |
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II Let our grateful anthems ring, | |
| Joyous songs and gladsome lays, | |
| To our God and Heavenly King, | |
| Sing His glory! Sound His praise! | |
| He who never sleepeth | 25 |
| Israel safely keepeth, | |
| Hears their cry, from on high, | |
| E’er when Judah weepeth. | |
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| Syria’s mad and mighty host | |
| Fiercely down upon us swept. | 30 |
| To destroy us was their boast; | |
| Israel trembled, Judah wept! | |
| But behold! salvation | |
| God wrought for our nation, | |
| Sending light, clear and bright, | 35 |
| ’Midst our tribulation. | |
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| “Feast of Lights”—O glorious name! | |
| Cast thy rays o’er land and seas; | |
| Kindle in all hearts the flame | |
| That inspired the Maccabees; | 40 |
| Heroes to be ever, | |
| Cowards, traitors—never! | |
| And to love God above, | |
| Right and truth forever. | | | | |
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