Music and lyrics by Joe Black and Sue Black,www.rabbijoeblack.com
A long time ago in a land called Mod'in
Lived a young man named Judah, brave and serene
When Antiochus the tyrant said the Jews could not be free
He didn't count on Judah, the one called Maccabee
Chorus:
In the window, shining so bright
I can see the Chanukah lights
And it gives me such a warm friendly glow
When I think of Judah Macabee so long ago.
Now Judah and his brothers said it wasn't right
To take away their freedom, they knew they had to fight
They fought three long years 'til the king could take no more
They rebuilt the holy temple, it's beauty they restored
Chorus
When the temple was restored the brothers searched in vain
For oil to light the lamps, but not enough remained
Except for one small vial, enough to last one day
But instead it burned for eight, they proclaimed a holiday
Chorus
Tonight we light our lamps, sing our songs and play our games
We remember that great miracle hidden in the flames
Today throughout the world we rejoice that we are free
To carry out the mission of Judah Maccabee
Chorus