For The Educator, a note from the songwriter:

B’ezrat Hashem, which means “with God’s help,” is a Jewish saying. For example:

“When do you start your new job?”
“B’ezrat Hashem next January.”

“We’re hoping for a productive quarter, B’ezrat Hashem.”

The phrase Baruch Hashem, blessed is God, is used when there is certainty. (We are all healthy, Baruch Hashem.) But B’ezrat Hashem indicates a question, an uncertain future. Will I ace this test? Find a job? Buy this house? We don’t always know, so we ask God for help.

But does asking God for help cause God to act in the world, or does it do something for us as human beings dealing with situations that seem beyond our control? This song can be used to spark a discussion of God's role in human affairs, the goal and role of spontaneous prayer, and faith. Maybe we know in our minds that nothing on the outside will change, but in our hearts, something will.

Lyrics:
There's a woman on my corner, barely has enough to eat
Looks through all the trash and begs to all the people on the street
But though it all she keeps a hopeful attitude
And if you ask her if she's going to find food
She'll answer

B'ezrat Hashem
B'ezrat Hashem
When the question's hard, she needs some help from God
B'ezrat Hashem

There's a man I know who's brilliant as can be
Graduated top from Harvard
But can't find a job in this economy
He knows if he has faith he'll pull through in the end
And if you ask if he will ever work again
He'll answer...

B'ezrat Hashem
B'ezrat Hashem
When the question's hard, he needs some help from God
B'ezrat Hashem

Can I be my best? Can I pass the test?
Will I win the race? Will I find my place?
Can I find a friend? Can I love again?
Will I see it though? Will I keep faith in you?

The future may bring joy, the future may bring pain
We must learn to both appreciate the sunshine and the drops of falling rain
But problems will work out, or so we have to pray
And if you ask me will it all turn out okay, I'll answer...

B'ezrat Hashem
B'ezrat Hashem
When the question's hard, we need some help from God
B'ezrat Hashem