Artist & Tune
Version by Cindy Paley
Version by PS22 Chorus
Version by Kol Kahol
Reference
About the Song
"Mi Y'malel" (or "Mi Yimalel") (Hebrew: מי ימלל "Who can retell?") is a very well known traditional Hebrew Hanukkah song. The opening line, which literally means "Who can retell the mighty feats of Israel," is a secular rewording of Psalm 106:2, which reads "Who can retell the mighty feats of God." Below is a singable version of this song called "Who Can Retell," with words based on the Hebrew, as well as a literal translation. The song can also be sung in a round or canon.
Translation(s)
Singable translation:
Who can retell the things that befell us,
Who can count them?
In every age, a hero or sage
Came to our aid.
Hark!
In this time of year in days of yore
Maccabees the Temple did restore
And tonight our people as we dream
Will arise, unite, and be redeemed.
Literal translation:
Who can tell of the heroic deeds of Israel?
Who can count them?
Yes in every generation a hero arises
To save the people.
Listen!
In those days at this time
The Maccabee saved and redeemed
But in our days the whole people Israel
Will unite, arise, and save.