Im Eshkachech - Poem

Throughout the generations, many of us have found comfort and meaning behind the famous words of "Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim". These words convey such a deep longing for the temple to be rebuilt speedily that for me it's almost shocking whenever I read the next few words in the prayer. Those words are of course

"Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim - If I forget you, Oh Jerusalem

"Tishkach Yemini" - May I forget my right hand"

For me these words convey that if, heaven forbid, I do forget Jerusalem, my right hand, which is, I believe, G-d's stronger hand, should fail in it's strength and render itself weak.

Based on those words, I wrote the poem posted below in honor of remembrance day. While of course, remembrance day is not about remembering the city of Jerusalem, but rather paying respect to the fallen soldiers of the Holocaust, this poem is still one which I feel is a good one to read on remembrance day.

I hope you enjoy it,

Yitzy Schweitzer

Im Eshkachech - Poem

If I dare to forget you
Dear city of mine
May my right hand
Fail, in time
How can I ever not think
About your glory
Forget your majesty
Not tell your story

For so many years
We saw the wonder
As bright as the sun
As loud as thunder
We were the witnesses
So how can we deny
We heard their voices
Heard their cries

G-d’s holy temple
Now, we can’t say
Just how beautiful
Was every day
When we were in the presence
Of the Al-mighty
He was our beloved
Our one and only

If I dare to forget you
Dear city of mine
May my right hand
Fail, in time
How can I ever not think
About your glory
Forget your majesty
Not tell your story

 

Since that day
When the world went dark
We’ve hoped the sunrise
of a dawn, just a spark
But for years by the thousands
We’ve waited with faith
For G-d to wrap us
Once again in his embrace

We’ve come together
To say to you
We’ve done all we can
Now it’s up to you
Connected as one
G-d will rise us high
Beyond the height of the eagle
That soars above the sky