No festival is complete without the joy of songs and music, which have been an integral part of human lives and an equally important part of human celebrations since time immemorial. And the festival of Passover is no exception. The importance of Passover festival can be seen through the different Pesach festivities and traditions followed to commemorate the occasion. The fact that Jewish people were freed from the cruel slavery of the wicked Egyptian pharaohs on this day serves as the sole reason for honoring the festival with pure dedication and devotion. This holy festival is observed on the 15th day of the Nisan month of the Jewish calendar, though the festivities begin after sunset on the 14th day. The weeklong occasion is commemorated for seven days in Israel and by Reform Jews while in the Diaspora, it continues for eight days. The legend is that when the Israelites arose from the Red Sea, Miriam and Moses who led them in joyous song started the long-standing tradition of Passover songs. The Lord asked Israelites to slay the Passover lamb and apply its blood on the doors and the lintel. It was to be a sign for Israel. God said when He sees the blood He would pass over that house and spare the life of the first-born.
Unlike the popular belief, Pesach or Passover is not a time for deprivation simply because Jews cannot eat bread or other leavened foods during its celebration. Traditionally, it is considered a festival of joy as 'Zeman Herutenu' (meaning the Time of Our Freedom), which is evident from the various colorful and magnificent rituals practiced. Soulful and joyous Passover music forms one of the major trends of Passover celebrations. Songs are sung during the Seder to lighten up the mood. Pesach hymns and songs enumerate the history of Passover and provides an opportunity to thank the Lord for his blessings and delivering the Jews from slavery. This celebration of freedom and joy started with the miraculous escapade of the Jews from Egypt 3,000 years ago. And the tradition holds that the Seder has to be celebrated with music. The family gathers and says the Kiddush, wash their hands, dip a vegetable into salt water, break the matza into two and hide the afikomen. The elders then narrate the story of Passover, wash their hands again and say a blessing. The family then comes together to eat matzo, maror, a sandwich made of matzo and bitter herbs. Once the festive meal is over, they eat the afikomen and say the blessing after the meal. And then comes the most cheerful time of singing the songs of praise which completes the Seder.
Generally, the Passover songs are those traditional songs that are sung at the end of the Seder, the festive meal associated with the Jewish festival of Passover. Most of the songs are sung during the second half after dinner, but a few songs are sung during the main part of the Seder, before the meal. The Jewish tradition pronounces that God did not mean for Israel to observe Passover for a certain period of time. It is to be celebrated forever, in remembrance of God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt. With Passover once again just around the corner, this awesome collection of songs and music related to the festival will definitely make your time with family even more special. Enjoy these Passover music and spend a great time with this splendid collection of Passover music. This section brings you the English translation of the most popular Hebrew Pesach songs. Check them out.
Adir Hu (He is Mighty)
Adir Hu, which is translated as 'Mighty is He', is a sing-along song with a catchy tune and is generally sung towards the ends of the Seder. This Jewish hymn expresses hope that the age of Messiah will return and the sacred Holy Temple will be rebuilt. In Hebrew, each line of this hymn starts
Dahyenu
One of the most popular Seder tunes, it describes some of the many favors that God bestowed upon the Israelites when He led them to freedom into the Land of Paradise from Egypt. This song has been taken from "Haggadah", the holy book of the Jews. The word "Dayenu" is loosely translated into, "it would have been enough
Eliyahu Ha Navi
"Eliyahu HaNavi", meaning Elijah the Prophet in English, is a famous Hebrew song. It's an entreaty to prophet Elijah, who is an invited guest at the Passover meal, to return soon with the Messiah. This traditional Jewish song also forms a part of the traditional Saturday night Havdalah service. This song is to meant be sung when the Cup of Elijah is poured out and the door
Mah Nishtanah
Some Jewish and Christian families encourage their children to recite the "Ma Nishtana" each in their turn, but many often just follow the youngest participant performance by a group recitation or singing of the following: The common Passover questions are -English: Why is this night different from all other nights, from all other nights? (Hebrew: Mah nishtanah ha-lahylah ha-zeh
Passover Music is joyous to keep in mood of the holidays. Here are some traditional songs that you can include to complete your Seder.