Hava Nagila

Notes

“Hava Nagila” (Hebrew: הָבָה נָגִילָה) is perhaps the most recognizable Jewish folk song in the world. It is a song of celebration, unity, and shared joy that has transcended its religious roots to become a global symbol of festivity.

The Story Behind the Tune

• Origins in Silence: The melody began as a nigun—a wordless, spiritual melody—originated by the Sadigurer Hasidim in what is now Ukraine. For generations, it was hummed as a meditative, soulful chant.

• Giving it Words: In 1918, musicologist Abraham Zevi Idelsohn added Hebrew lyrics to the melody to celebrate the British victory in Palestine after World War I. He chose words inspired by Psalm 118: “Let us rejoice and be glad.”

• The “Hava” Meaning: The title literally translates to “Let Us Rejoice.” The lyrics are a call to action: to wake up with a happy heart, to sing, and to be joyful together as brothers and sisters.

• Musical Structure: One of the most famous characteristics of the song is its tempo. It typically starts slow and stately, gradually accelerating into a frantic, high-energy climax. This “accelerando” is what makes it a favorite for the Hora, a circle dance common at Jewish weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.

  The Lyrics (Translated)

  • Hava nagila, v’nism’cha — Let us rejoice and be glad

  • Hava n’ran’na, v’nism’cha — Let us sing and be glad

  • Uru, uru achim! — Awake, awake, brothers!

  • Uru achim b’lev sameach — Awake, brothers, with a happy heart