Maoz Tzur

Introduction:

Maoz Tzur is an acrostic poem written for Hanukkah in the 13th century and has five stanzas. The first letter of each stanza spells the poet's name in Hebrew- Mordechai (Mem, Reish, Dalet, Kaf, Yud). This liturgical piece thanks G-d for our deliverance from our oppressors, and expresses our desire to return to the Holy Temple. We have included the first stanza on this page. The four stanzas that follow this stanza tell the story of our exodus from Egypt and our liberation form Babylonia, Persia, and Syria. The fifth verse recounts the miracle of Hanukkah.

Lyrics:

Maoz Tzur y'shuati L'cha naeh l'shabei-ach Tikon beit t'filati V'sham todah n'zabei-ach. L'eit tachin matbei-ach, V'tzor ham-nabei-ach. Az egmor, b'shir mizmor, Chanukat hamizbei-ach.

Rock of Ages, my salvation, You deserve much praise. Rebuild my Temple, And there we will give you great thanks. It's time to strike back, And defeat our enemy. Then we will sing praises to You, And re-dedicate our Temple!