Abridged for University Synagogue 2020

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87 98 122 141 144

NEW SEDER SONGS Prepared by Rabbi Arnold Rachlis and Cantor Ruti Braier

University Synagogue, Irvine, CA

1. Web of Women Chorus Long ago on Egyptian soil The Hebrew children multiplied The Hebrew women in those dark years The Hebrew children toiled Just kept having babies Nasty Pharaoh, he made a lot of noise They pushed back their fears He told Shifra and Puah to kill the baby Yocheved had a baby boys Moshe was his name And he would lead his people Chorus To freedom once again It was a web of women, a web of women That kept the Hebrew children alive Chorus It was a web of women, a web of women That helped the Hebrew children to Yocheved had a baby survive Moshe was his name Miriam, his sister, watched him all the Now Shifra and Puah ignored Pharaoh’s same law ‘Til Pharaoh’s kindly daughter They were lovin’ midwives Rescued him so brave They knew right from wrong Without these holy women Pharaoh was a madman We might still be slaves. A monster through and through But women have the power, To do what they must do.

2. The Passover Song (to the tune of “There’s No Business Like Show 3. Mi Shebeirach Business”) Mi shebeirach avoteinu There’s no Seder like our Seder, M’kor habracha l’imoteinu There’s no Seder we know, Everything about it is fantastic May the source of strength, Nothing that the Torah won’t allow who blessed the ones before us, Listen how we read the whole help us find the courage, We read the Hebrew to make our lives a blessing, ‘Cause we know how!! and let us say, Amen.

There’s no Seder like our Seder, Mi shebeirach imoteinu We tell a tale that is swell: M’kor habracha l’avoteinu Moses took the people out into the heat They baked the matzah Bless those in need of healing While on their feet. with refua shelema, Now isn’t that a story the renewal of body, That just can’t be beat? the renewal of spirit, Let’s go on with the show and let us say, Amen. Let’s go on with the show!!

4. Our Passover Things 5. Buy Me Some Ch’rain (to the tune of “Our Favorite Things”) (to the tune of “Bei mir bistu shein”)

Cleaning and cooking and so many dishes Buy me some ch’rain Out with the , no pasta, no knishes and grind it again. Fish that’s gefilted, horseradish that stings These are a few of our Passover things. I just can’t abstain Although I try. Matzah and karpas and chopped up Shankbones and kiddish and Yiddish neuroses I’ll say it again; Tante who kvetches and uncle who sings If I can’t obtain These are a few of our Passover things. My fill of ch’rain I think I’ll die. When the plagues strike When the lice bite Don’t give me ketchup, pickles When we’re feeling sad I don’t go for Grey Poupon. We simply remember our Passover things I want something that tickles And then we don’t feel so bad. Up my nose, makes my eyes run.

Matzah and and trouble with Pharaoh Again I’ll explain; Famines and locusts and slaves with I love my ch’rain. wheelbarrows So pass it again Matzah balls floating and eggshells that cling And let’s all cry. These are a few of our Passover things.

6. We’ve Got Matzah Singing of Hebrews taking flight! (to the tune of “I Got Rhythm”) tomorrow, matzah balls tonight! We’ve got matzah. We’ve got maror. We’ve got shank bones. Some yadda yadda from the haggadah Who could ask for anything more? Something for everyone, a tonight We’ve got manna in the desert. So much to question, such indigestion We’ve got Moses. Something for everyone, a matzah ball Who could ask for anything more? tonight.

Old man Pharaoh, he’s behind us. Hide your brioche, throw out your bread. You won’t find us at his door. Eat and matzah instead. We’ve got freedom. Something observant, festive and fervent We’ve got Torah. Praise Adonai with all your might! We’ve got our God. Matzah brei tomorrow, matzah balls Who could ask for anything more? tonight! Who could ask for anything more? Something enduring, see Grandpa snoring 7. Matzah Ball Tonight Something for everyone, a matzah ball (to the tune of “Comedy Tonight”) tonight Motzi and Kiddush, Hebrew and Yiddish Something historic, something caloric Something for everyone, a matzah ball Something for everyone, a matzah ball tonight. tonight. Tales that are thrilling, food that is filling Prayers to be prayed, songs to be sung Something for everyone, a matzah ball Family and friends, the old and the young tonight. Something so Jewish, so -ish, Thank God it all turned out alright! Waters that part, great pyramids, Matzah brei tomorrow, matzah balls Bring on the yentas, kvetchers and kids. tonight! Something neurotic, something melodic