“Maoz Tsur” as Perfomed by the The Ruth Asawa San Francisco School Of The Arts Concert Choir

On this the 7th day and what will be the 8th night of Chanukah, I'm reminded of this very traditional chanukah song and this beautiful choral version.

Today’s traditional Hanukkah blessing is a translation of the phrase “Stronghold of the Rock”, and to me is an example of the virtues of being steadfast and true. It makes me think of my Father, whom I always admired as solid, stable, and willing to lend support whenever necessary. His generosity and strength were more than abundant and his heart was his biggest gift to his friends. Once you were his friend, you were his friend for life.  My Dad was someone who inspired me to be better, by seeing me as better than I am; he was able to see the best in all of his friends, helping them to quietly become better people, a quality I wholeheartedly admire. He was the kind of man who makes you feel better just by being in his presence, and it is hard to imagine that I am living in a world that he isn’t in.

So, today I choose “Maoz Tsur” as my, hold fast to your rock, wherever you may find it, believe that you can be a rock too, song for a watch your soul find solidity, hear your heart sing the sacred songs of love, believe that your truth is reflected in every set of eyes you meet Tuesday, the 7th day and 8th night of Chanukah.