Welcoming Shabbat with D'ror Yikra by Robin Helzner and the Zemer Chai Chorus

Zemirot are table hymns sung during or immediately after Shabbat meals. These medieval songs represent a unique blend of the holy and the secular, the serious and the playful, and allow family and friends to enhance the Shabbat experience.

One of the most popular zemirot is D'ror Yikra.

דְּרוֹר יִקְרָא לְבֵן עִם בַּת, וְיִנְצָרְכֶם כְּמוֹ בָבַת
נְעִים שִׁמְכֶם וְלֹא יֻשְׁבַּת,
 שְׁבוּ וְנֽוּחוּ בְּיוֹם שַׁבָּת

‬

D'ror yikra l'ven im bat

V'yintsorchem k'mo vavat.

Na'im shimchem velo yushbat

Sh'vu v'nuchu b'yom Shabbat.

"Freedom shall He proclaim for His sons and daughters

and will keep you as the apple of His eye.

Pleasant is Your name and will not cease to be;

repose (and) rest on the Sabbath day."

Today's video features Robyn Helzner and the Zemer Chai Chorus performing Robyn's version of D'ror Yikra.

A leading interpreter of World Jewish Music, Robyn has appeared in concerts in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and throughout North America. The moving story of her underground performances in the Soviet Union, which led to sold-out concerts in Moscow and St. Petersburg, was told on the Public Television program, Chanukah–A Celebration of Freedom. 

Robyn has released five recordings. Hearts Awaken, A Fire Burns, and Signs & Wonders, feature the Robyn Helzner Trio. Clap Your Hands and I Live in the City are beloved by children worldwide. Robyn officiated at the first bar mitzvah celebrated in Beijing, China and served as the Cantor for the United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong. She currently serves as a cantor at Temple Sinai and leads the “Downtown Shabbat” service at the Sixth and I Historic Synagogue in Washington, D.C. Robyn also leads Jewish Heritage Tours to China.

Enjoy, and Shabbat shalom! 

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