Yah Echsof is a Chassidic song of longing sung on Friday night of Shabbos.
Recorded for a friend upon request for her birthday, and shared here for whomever may find it meaningful.
Artwork by Batya Levine


Translation (by Rabbi Zalman Schachter​-Shalomi):
Yah! How I long for 
the bliss of the Shabbat, united in secret ​
with Your own fervent wish. Give way to Your own 
deep desire to love us. 
May Sabbath in Torah 
be our sacred bliss. ​
Share​ Her with us 
who desire to please You- Our deep thirst for union 
be met with delight

Holy Presence
filli​ng all time and space! Keep safe who keep Shabbat in their longing all week.
Like a deer that seeks water by the banks of the river, ​
We seek Shabbat, the secret of Your sacred Name! 
Grant​ us all week long 
Her shimmerin​g Presence,​ So our hearts and our faith be pure service to You!

Warml​y embrace us 
with Your kind compassio​n, Quench quickly our thirst for Your unending Grace. Give us the bliss drink from Eden's own river. Your praises we sing with joy on our face.
Let Jacobs gift to us-
 ec​ho all week long Infusing our lives 
with a Shabbes-f​illed trace.

Hail Shabbat, delight
of our souls and our Spirits. Ecstasy life-thro​b 
am awed by Your love, Secure that Your caring grants safety and nurture- You feed us sweet nectar from Your Source above. As You embrace us 
with Mothering​ comfort-
In You I take refuge ​
and pledge You my love.

Yah Echsof - by Rebbe Aharon of Karlin

Batya Levine