Note from the Songwriter:
Synagogues comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles. The word for synagogue in Hebrew is Beit Knesset, which means “house of gathering.” Whether on a mountain, by the sea, or in the suburbs, a synagogue is a synagogue because of what’s inside- people! And probably some ritual objects as well. This song is about the three things you are likely to find in any synagogue, anywhere it might be: prayer books, the eternal light, and the ark. When we use these items, we are connected to Jews gathered in prayer all over the world.
Lyrics:
Chorus
Chorus:
Synagogue detectives
looking for clues
Looking for all the things
that we need to use
Synagogue detectives
looking around,
What have we found?
Siddurim!
Siddurim, prayer books,
with blessings we say
help us be grateful
for every day
We sing these words, l’dor v’dor
and now it’s time to look some more!
Chorus
Ner Tamid!
The Ner Tamid is the eternal light,
Same as the one that kept the temple bright
Just like our love, it never goes out
But now it’s time to keep looking around!
Chorus
the Ark!
We open the curtain of the ark with pride
As we take out the Torah inside
It holds the scrolls with love and care,
Now let’s keep looking to see what’s there!
Chorus
Siddurim! Ner Tamid! The Aron haKodesh
are the things that you’ll see
Great job, synagogue detectives. Case Closed!