Adonai Eloheinu
in the Jewish Moroccan tradition
Translation
Adonai Eloheinu gave us through Moses our master
A lesson of good so offer God thanks for this good
My beloved descended to His garden to sanctify us as a bride
His precepts God commanded us: avoid evil and work at good
On the holy day of Shabbat the sixth day’s eve in that month
The bridegroom married his bride—as kin who share what is good
His banner protects me with love for my beloved is exalted above ten thousand
God comes from Sinai: all may see this good
I am and You shall not have—a word is a thing that can kill or revive
God is and subsumes all time and is the ethical and the good
Blessed is He and blessed His name who commanded his people
You shall not take His name in vain, God said: not good
The day of Shabbat is calm with no distress or sigh
Joy and felicity give voice and here: the light is good
This day’s gift to you, if you will honor it all your days
And your father and mother—a long life and also the good
God’s image and reflection: You shall not murder for you shall die
Including animals and beasts for God is to all only good
Have courage You shall not commit adultery and God will not rage
Not an angel or seraph but God who loves days that reveal good
Keep your distance from those acts—do not steal or cover up
Just the law of Moses—taste it and see how good
Acquire but don’t resell the truth—responding as inflamed with drink
Don’t covet and remember the precepts always—you won’t suppress the good
Vital and holy One exempt us—pure and ethical One answer us
Accept our prayer for more than life itself the kindness of your love is good