I write this with tremendous hesitation. To be honest, the fact that you are reading this means that I was able to push aside the little voice inside my head - and perhaps the voice of better judgment - telling me NOT to send this out. For those who may not have...
In shul, as we reach the pinnacle of the Yom Kippur avodah, there is a palpable feeling of elation in the air when we read this special piyut. Using magnificent expression and splendid portrayal of imagery, this esoteric sonnet portrays the Kohen Gadol’s safe emergence and successful departure from the Holy of Holies on this wondrous day.
The words of the Mishnah practically come to life in this classic rendition, allowing the listener to apply his own life to the lesson of its words – a characteristic that will continue to make Yigal’s music so uniquely precious for many years to come.
Efraim and Menashe are the children of Golus, born in impure Mitzrayim, but not only display their commitment to derech avosam, but to supporting one another through thick and thin. It is then and there Yaakov perceives that his progeny would succeed in remaining loyal to his heritage in the exiles to come, and more importantly, he sees that they will remain loyal and devoted to each other, thus guaranteeing their ultimate survival.
In shul, as we reach the pinnacle of the Yom Kippur avodah, there is a palpable feeling of elation in the air when we read this special piyut. Using magnificent expression and splendid portrayal of imagery, this esoteric sonnet portrays the Kohen Gadol’s safe emergence and successful departure from the Holy of Holies on this wondrous day.
Moshe Rabbeinu wondered why the Jews had to suffer over a century of avodas perech, inhumane servitude, and near spiritual annihilation here in Mitzrayim – and to what end does a Jew find himself in any future golus for that matter.