Dreidel
Dreidel's Triumph: Defying Oppression Through Torah
Lyrics
There was an evil king many years ago
Refers to an evil king from the past.
Antiyochus was his name, he was so mean, oh no
Identifies the king as Antiochus, known for his cruelty.
He didn't like the Jews, he said "no more learning Torah"
States the king's opposition to Jews learning Torah.
No more doing Mitzvos, no Rebbis and no Morahs
Specifies the prohibition against Jewish religious practices.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel you came to save the day
Celebrates the dreidel as a savior figure.
When we were learning Torah, you chased the Greeks away
Attributes the dreidel's role in expelling the Greeks during Torah study.
Nun Gimel Hay Shin are written on your sides
Describes the letters on the dreidel (Nun, Gimel, Hay, Shin).
To remind us of our Torah that we hold onto with pride
Explains the significance of these letters as reminders of Torah.
So every school and Shul had a big lock on their door
Highlights the security measures taken by schools and synagogues.
The Jews were all so sad, they could not learn anymore
Depicts the sadness among Jews due to the learning restrictions.
"We are strong and we are brave", they told Rebbi loud and clear
Shows determination among Jews to continue learning.
"We must continue learning, our Torah is so dear"
Emphasizes the value of Torah learning.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel you came to save the day
Reiterates the dreidel's role in overcoming Greek opposition.
When we were learning Torah, you chased the Greeks away
Repeats the theme of the dreidel's aid during Torah study.
Nun Gimel Hay Shin are written on your sides
Reaffirms the letters on the dreidel as reminders of Torah.
To remind us of our Torah that we hold onto with pride
Reiterates the significance of Torah through the dreidel's letters.
The children learnt all day, they Davened nice and loud
Depicts children's dedication to learning and prayer.
Aleph Beis and Parsha, they made Hashem so proud
Highlights children's efforts in studying Torah and portions.
Rebbe said "here is a dreidel, and you spin it just like this
Shows how a dreidel was used to deceive the Greeks.
So when the Greeks will come along they'll fall for our tricks"
Explains the trickery employed against the Greeks with the dreidel.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel you came to save the day
Repeats the dreidel's role in defeating the Greeks.
When we were learning Torah, you chased the Greeks away
Emphasizes the dreidel's aid during Torah study against Greeks.
Nun Gimel Hay Shin are written on your sides
Restates the letters on the dreidel as reminders of Torah.
To remind us of our Torah that we hold onto with pride
Reaffirms the significance of Torah through the dreidel's letters.
The dreidel has four letters, Nun Gimel Hay and Shin
Describes the four letters on the dreidel and their meaning.
Neis Gadol Haya Shum, now it's your turn to spin
Relates the phrase "Neis Gadol Haya Sham" to spinning the dreidel.
If you land on Nun it's nothing, Hay gets half the lot
Explains the result when the dreidel lands on the letter Nun.
Spin a Shin you put one in, while Gimel gets the pot
Explains the results for the letters Hay, Shin, and Gimel when spun.
I play it on my table, I play it on the floor
Describes the various places where the dreidel game is played.
I invite all of my friends and neighbors from next door
Shares the inclusiveness of inviting friends and neighbors to play.
I call up all my cousins and tell them to come join
Highlights the act of inviting family members to join the game.
I share my Mommy's latkes and lots of chocolate coins
Depicts the sharing of traditional foods during the celebration.
Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel you came to save the day
Reiterates the dreidel's role in overcoming the Greeks.
When we were learning Torah, you chased the Greeks away
Repeats the celebration of the dreidel's assistance during Torah study.
Nun Gimel Hay Shin are written on your sides
Reaffirms the letters on the dreidel as reminders of Torah.
To remind us of our Torah that we hold onto with pride
Reiterates the significance of Torah through the dreidel's letters.
So now you know the story and the reason why we play
Summarizes the story behind the dreidel game and its purpose.
A special dreidel game- it's so much fun! Hooray
Expresses the joy and excitement associated with playing the dreidel game.
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