Mechol HaShabbat – Israel [Yankale Levy]
| Links: | |
| Hebrew: | כי אשמרה |
| Translation: | Dance of the Sabbath If You Will Guard the Sabbath |
| Aliases: | Hashabat, Ha’Shabat, Ki Eshmera Shabbat |
| Choreographed: | Yankale (Ya’akov) Levy |
| Year: | 1973 |
| Type of Dance: | Circle/Chain/Line: non-partner |
| Category: | Oldies RIFD |
| Formation: | Closed Circle |
| Skill: | Easy |
| Energy: | Gentle to Moderate |
| Hand Hold: | W |
| Leads to: | R w/ R |
| Meter: | 2/4 |
| Song: | Ki Eshmera Shabbat כי אשמרה (לאדינו) |
| Artist: | The Parvarim (Haparvarim) הפרברים |
| Album: | B’shirat Ladino בשירת לאדינו |
| Lyricist:: | Avraham Even Ezra (12th century) |
| Composer: | Ladino |
| Date Taught: | |
| Teacher: | Karen |
| Posted: | January 7, 2024 |
| Updated: | January 7, 2024 |
The Israeli dance Mechol Hashabbat is danced to the song “Ki Eshmera Shabbat.” The preferred recording is off the 1967 album B’shirat Ladino / Judeo Espagnol Songs by The Parvarim (Haparvarim). As is the case of songs derived from holy texts, there are many songs out there going by the title “Ki Eshmera Shabbat,” but they won’t work. The video for the Hong Kong Folk Dance Bonding Class has a different recording of the proper song, but I haven’t come across the source (one is listed as Regavim).
The dance is smooth and doesn’t have much travel, while still being up tempo. This makes it a candidate for a last dance, or perhaps a penultimate last, depending on the remaining energy in the group. This dance was done by the CSU Folk Dance Club.
For some reason, the American groups keep hands low in a V hold instead of W.
Lyrics
http://www.larry.denenberg.com/Songs/ki-eshmera.pdfKi eshmera shabbat, eil yishmereini Ot hi l’olmei ad, beino u’veini. (x2) Asur m’tso ḥeifets la’asot d’raḥim Gam mil’daber bo divrei tseraḥim. (x2) Bo emtse’a tamid noaḥ l’nafshi Hineh l’dor rishon natan kedoshi. (x2) Etpal’lah el eil arvit v’shaḥarit Musaf v’gam minḥa, hu ya’aneini. (x2)As I keep the Sabbath, God will keep me. It is an sign eternally between us. On that day we may not do our usual business Nor speak about the things we need. On Sabbath I will always find rest for my soul Just as He gave its holiness to the first generation. I will pray to God morning, afternoon, and evening, He will answer me.