Har’ifu Shamaim (You heavens above) – A Christmas Song

In 1956 was celebrated in Haifa the first Catholic Mass in Hebrew language. Despite the fact that a significant part of the rite was still in Latin, the readings and some prayers were already available in Hebrew. For this historical event little brother Yohanan Elihai composed his first Hebrew hymn for the Catholic liturgy: Har’ifu Shamaim.

This song, that still appears today in our songbook, is the firstborn of a long series of brothers that since then have been composed by different members of the Hebrew speaking communities over the years. Every year, as a sign of continuity and of sound tradition, Har’ifu Shamaim is sung in our congregations during the Christmas season.

The lyrics are a collection of Biblical verses from the OT with a refrain, while the tune belongs to the liturgical tradition of Moroccan Jewry. Unfortunately we don’t know any longer which specific song or piyut this tune comes from.

Here is the song, and the link to click in order to listen to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HZ5nxzkcSE

1. You heavens above, rain down my righteousness; let the clouds shower it down. Let the earth open wide, let salvation spring up.

Jesus our justice, Jesus our salvation.

2. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you.

Jesus our King, Jesus our salvation.

3. Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son and she shall call his name Immanuel.

Jesus Immanuel, Jesus our salvation.

4. The Lord said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me and I will make the nations your inheritance.

Jesus Son of God, Jesus our salvation.

5. This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. Blessed He who comes in the name of the Lord.

Jesus comes to us, Jesus our salvation.

6. A light shone upon us. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Jesus Mighty God, Jesus our Salvation. Jesus our justice, Jesus comes to us, Jesus our salvation.