L'MA’AN ACHAI
words and music by Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach
Hebrew text from Psalm 122:8-9
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I remember one sunny Sunday afternoon in Rockville, MD in the early 1990s. I sat in a living room with 20 other people as we learned music and stories from the late Rabbi Sholomo Carlebach. He was sitting on the couch, simply strumming, and filling the room with his soulful music. I was in awe. It was there that I first heard him sing these words of peace from Psalm 122 - they have been with me ever since.

L'ma’an achai v'reyai (2x)
Adabrah na (2x)
Shalom bach

L’ma’an beit adonai eloheinu
Avakshah tov lach
Ya, la, la...

Because of my brothers and friends
Because of my sisters and friends
Please let me ask
Please let me singPeace to you
Ya, la, la...


Copyright © Shlomo Carlebach Estate - used with permission