Passover Music in Mayrent Collection

Most Jewish families celebrate Passover with a ritual meal (a Seder) on the first night of the weeklong observance of the Israelites’ emancipation from Egyptian rule over 3000 years ago. Throughout the Seder, the story of this Exodus is told through song. Seder literally means “order,” and music plays a key role in the transition from one part of the Seder to the next. Here are a list of songs from the Mayrent Collection of Yiddish Recordings to enjoy this Passover holiday:

Der Kidysh (Kiddush blessing)
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When the first night of Passover falls on a weekday, as it will this year, this blessing is sung over the first glass of wine. If Passover falls on the Sabbath, a different version of this blessing is sung.

Ma nishtana (The Four Questions); Avadim hayin (We were slaves)
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Traditionally, the youngest person at the Seder asks four questions that prompt the telling of the Passover story. As the youngest in my family, I get to sing the questions: “Mah nishtanah halailah hazeh mikol haleilot?” (What is different on this night from all other nights?) The family responds to these questions by singing: “Avadim hayin lepharo be’mitzrayim, ata – benei chorin” (We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt – now we are free.)

Eliyohu hanovi (Invitation to Elijah the prophet)
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Families set a place at the table for the prophet Elijah, who it is said will return to usher in the coming of the Messianic age. Families open the door and invite the prophet to enter with this song. After this song the family can close the door and have their meal. “Eliyohu hanovi… bimherah yavo elenu im Mashiach ben David” (Elijah the prophet, Come to us soon with the Messiah child of David.)

Hallel
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Hallel, which means “praise,” consists of a group of Psalms (Psalm 113-118) which are sung in thanksgiving for redemption from bondage.

Vehi sheamda (And this promise); Betzet Israel (Israel came out)
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Vehi sheamda and Betzet Israel reflect on the journey of the children of the Israelites who came out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Vehi sheamda refers to G-d’s promise to liberate the Jewish people: “that (G-d’s promise) is what kept our ancestors and what keeps us surviving.” Betzet Israel (Psalm 114) reflects on the crossing of the River Jordan, which mirrored the miracle of the parting of the Red Sea.

Yente vert a malkeh auf Peisach (Yente becomes a queen on Passover)
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Passover parodies are part of the storytelling tradition of Jews in America, which can be part of more secular Passover celebrations. Whereas traditional Seder songs are sung in Hebrew, these songs are typically sung in Yiddish or English.

Bim Bam
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Bim Bam or Tayere Malke (Dear Queen) is another Passover parody that isn’t necessarily religious. This song is about pouring the final two glasses of wine for Passover, drinking the wine, and pondering in whose honor to drink the wine. Near the end the singer declares: “I’ll drink to my enemies, Just don’t tell them!” During the traditional Seder, this is where the door would be opened to Elijah.

When we shared this list with Sherry Mayrent, who amassed this collection and generously donated it to Mills Music Library, she pointed out her favorite Passover song in her collection:

Nit di hagode, nor di kneydlakh (Not the haggadah, just the matzah balls)
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Mayrent says this comic song is “about how people don’t pay attention to the Haggadah because they are only interested in the matzo balls!” Mayrent gives an engaging account of the collection’s origin and its educational and cultural potential in this video interview.