Weekly World Music: “Ahavat Hadasa (The Love of Hadassah)” - Gila Beshari
"Ahavat Hadassah" is a popular folk song and dance among Yemeni Jews, and is probably most famous as it was performed by the late Ofra Haza. The lyrics come from the poetry of 17th century Yemenite poet Rabbi Shalom Shabazi. Although the singer, Gila Beshari, seems to be well known and admired among listeners online, I have unfortunately been able to find very little information about her.
Ahavat Hadassah al levavi niksherah
Va'ani betoch golah, p'amai tsolelim.
Lu yesh reshut li e'eleh etchaberah
Toch sha'arei tsion asher hem nahalalim.
Shacharit v'aravit bat nedivim ezkerah
Libi vera'ayonai becheshek nivhalim.
Binim zemirot minedod etorerah
Va'ani verayati berinah tsohalim.
The love of Hadassah (Israel) is tied to my heart
And my steps are sunk deep in the exile.
If I could I would go up and join
Within the gates of Zion which are praised.
Morning and evening I'll remember the daughter of Israel.
My heart and thoughts are shaken with desire.
With music of psalms I'll wake up from wandering,
My love and I will sing for joy.
