This piece is a setting of a portion of the Hebrew prayer "Al HaNissim" ("On the Miracles"), recited on the Jewish festival of Chanukah. The prayer is an expression of gratitude for God's intervention on behalf of the Jews in their revolt against their Syrian-Greek oppressors in the 2nd century BC, one of the miracles associated with Chanukah. For Jews, the eight-day holiday is both a celebratory and solemn observance. Chanukah, which means "dedication" in Hebrew, commemorates both the Jewish victory and the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following their triumph, each described in this text. This setting captures both the joyous and reverent nature of Chanukah. --Rex Isenberg Hebrew text in Transliteration: Ravta et rivam, danta et dinam, nakamta et nikmatam, masarta giborim b’yad halashim, v’rabim b’yad m’atim, ut’meyim b’yad t’horim, ursha’im b’yad tzadikim, v’zeidim b’yad oskei torateha. Ul’ha asita sheim gadol v’kadosh ba’olameha, ul’amha yisrael asita t’shuah g’dolah ufurkan k’hayom hazeh. V’ahar kah ba’u vaneha lidvir beiteha, ufinu et heihaleha, v’tiharu et mikdasheha, v’hidliku neirot b’hatzrot kad’sheha. V’kav’u sh’monat y’mei Hanukkah eilu, l’hodot ul’haleil l’shimha hagadol. Amen. You, Almighty God, boundless in Your mercy, stood by Your loyal people in the time of their distress. You fought all their fights, and defended them from destruction. You delivered the wicked and mighty to the hands of the righteous few, and the faithless to those who abide by Your Torah. You made a great and holy Name for Yourself within Your nation, and redeemed Your people Israel, and brought to them salvation and deliverance that shields them from harm to this day. Then came Your children to cleanse Your sacred temple, and restore Your holy places, and kindle lights within Your courtyards to shine forever. And they established these eight days to honor Your greatness, and give thanks and praise to You, O God. May Your Name be most blessed. Amen. English Translation by Rex Isenberg