Ken (Chanoch) Bloom's Blog

Sun Aug 2 10:00:54 CDT 2009

Aleichem Edah Kedosha

Translation of the Kinah אליכם עדה קדושה (found on page 45 of the Avodat Hashem Tisha B'Av siddur). The hebrew text and recordings are available at http://www.piyut.org.il/textual/288.html

To you, holy nation, I ask of you questions: Why is this night different from all other nights?

On pesach night we eat Matzah on Maror. Why, now, on this night, are we satiated on scorn and bitterness? On the death of k'sherim and the seed of the upright. Therefore with tears of bitterness, I raise my voice like sick people do.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

On Pesach night, the table is set with joy. Why now, in our sins, on this night, is there the voice of sighing? Because now we have not found rest for the soles of our feet. Oy! Because misfortune has come, I will forget forigveness.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

On Pesach night, we drink cups [of wine] for a blessing. Why now, on this night do we read megillat Eichah [the book of Lamentations]? Why do I sit in this exile, having come from my land in embarassment. Thus on this I raise my voice in wailing.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

On Pesach night, we always read the Haggadah. Why now, on this night do we cry short and bitter cries? Oy! Because during my life the time came that we were ordered [to leave] Oy! On the desirable city and on the houses of prayer.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

On Pesach night, we always finish Hallel. Why now, on this night do we eulogize and wail. Because, in our sins, we can't pray because the Beit HaMikdash has been desecrated and the Heichal destroyed.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

On pesach night we say "pour out [your wrath upon the nations]" in soing. Why now, on this night, do we drink wormwood, hemlock, and bitterness? Oy! Because joy is absent, and the way of Zion is mourning.

Why is this night different from all other nights?

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