Music by Beth A. Schafer and Rachelle Nelson
English words by Beth Schafer © 2003

Hebrew text: Zecharia 4:6
Recorded on the CD Love Your Neighbor, written in honor of the 30th year of women in the rabbinate

Translation Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit alone.
Lyrics:
I will take my place
I will add my words
With dignity and grace
I’ll honor the ones before me
I will lend my voice
I will light the flame
I make the holy choice
To serve and teach and sing God’s name

Chorus
Lo v’chayil v’lo v’choach vim b’ruchi
Lo v’chayil v’lo v’choach vim b’ruchi
The Shechinah will dwell
The Shechinah is part of me
The stories I will tell
Will help our people see differently

Chorus
Tears of pain, tears of joy
Fill the well that sustains us
Not by might nor by power but by our spirit alone
Shall we all live in peace and serve in peace

Chorus