04. ZOL DER SHTARBIK MENTSH’HEIT SHVEIGN (Let mortals be silent!)

This Greek hymn (Σιγησάτω πᾶσα σάρξ βροτεία) was traditionally composed by James the Lesser, Yeshua’s brother, but more probably penned by Cyril of Jerusalem (circa 347 A.D.). It is based on Zechariah 2:13 “Be silent, all flesh, before YHVH!” and Habakkuk 2:20 “Let all the earth keep silence before Him!” New Yiddish words rework ancient biblical themes. The melody is borrowed from a 17th century French folk carol ‘Picardy.’ This hymn, traditionally sung at Christmas, has a surprisingly ‘haymish’ (down-home) Yiddish feel.