Yanky & Mendy Lemmer Sing Mitter Rochel - Rochel Mevako

Cantor Yanky Lemmer

In this weeks Torah portion we learn the story about the passing of Rachel our matriarch. In a few weeks from now we read a portion where we learn that our Patriarch Jacob specifically chose Rachels burial plot to be roadside in the middle of nowhere so that her children have a place to Daven (pray) at her tombstone when they are exiled of Jerusalem. Ever since, Jews from the entire world gather to pray at this holy burial site, begging Rachel, to intercede on our behalf and beseech the Almighty's mercy.

From the words of Jeremiah we see that Rachel indeed weeps for her children. "Thus says the Lord: “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”

Mendy came home from Cheder singing the simple Yiddish tune depicting 'our' supplication to Rochel so I thought to myself, hey! let's mash it up with what follows - 'Rachel' indeed implores on our behalf.

Composer of the Yiddish tune is unknown to me, Cantorial parts are excerpts of Cantor David Roitman's masterpiece Rochel Mevako al Boneho.