Eli Tsiyon ve-Areha

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Eli Tsiyon ve-Areha (Hebrew: אלי ציון ועריה) is a Jewish liturgical poem (piyyut) traditionally recited during the Tisha B'Av service. The poem is a lamentation for the destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple.

Background

Tisha B'Av is a day of mourning in the Jewish calendar that commemorates the destruction of both the First Temple by the Babylonians and the Second Temple by the Romans. The day is marked by fasting and the recitation of kinnot, which are elegies or dirges. "Eli Tsiyon ve-Areha" is one of the most poignant kinnot recited on this day.

Text and Structure

The poem is written in Hebrew and is structured in a series of stanzas. Each stanza begins with the word "Eli" (My God) and expresses sorrow over the desolation of Zion and its cities. The poem vividly describes the suffering and devastation experienced by the Jewish people during the destruction of the Temples.

Liturgical Use

"Eli Tsiyon ve-Areha" is recited towards the end of the Tisha B'Av morning service, after the reading of the Book of Lamentations (Eicha). It is also included in the N'ilah service on Yom Kippur in some traditions. The poem's haunting melody and evocative language make it a central part of the Tisha B'Av observance.

Themes

The primary themes of "Eli Tsiyon ve-Areha" include:

• The destruction of Jerusalem and the Holy Temple
• The suffering and exile of the Jewish people
• A plea for divine mercy and the restoration of Zion

Cultural Significance

The poem holds a significant place in Jewish liturgy and culture. It serves as a powerful reminder of the historical tragedies that have befallen the Jewish people and reinforces the hope for future redemption and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.

See Also

• Tisha B'Av
• Kinnot
• Book of Lamentations
• Holy Temple
• Jerusalem