Don't You Hear Jerusalem Moan!

Jacob's Ladder! In joyful accordance with the long-standing Jewish tradition, Abq Jew is keeping Jerusalem above everything -

as he announces that Jacob's Ladder, one of Abq Jew's favorite Jewgrass bands (there aren't that many out there) has come up with yet one more outstanding recording and video.

"Don't You Hear Jerusalem Moan!" is a delightful old-time (yes, Christian) gospel number that has been performed, re-invented, and performed again many times over the last ... oh, hundred years.

For example: there's this version and that version, plus - if you're really interested, as Abq Jew is sure you are or soon will be - an almost infinite selection of versions located right here.

So why, Abq Jew hears you ask, is Jerusalem moaning? There are, of course, any number of Jewish historical events that might lead us to a few theological (which is not to mention theodical) complaints. But Christians? Why would they think Jerusalem is unhappy?

Well, there's One Big Reason - but, regarding this song, that's not it. In its original version, "Don't You Hear Jerusalem Moan!" is actually complaining about having to sit through long sermons at church. 

Which church? Any of them!

Oh, the Methodist minister got squeaky shoes
He pulls down the shades and brings out the booze

Oh, the Baptist preacher has a really hard sell
You buy his package or you roast in hell

Oh, the Campbellite preacher will show you the way
But you gotta be baptized every other day

Oh, the Catholic preacher keeps you out of trouble
He'll save your soul, but your family will double

Oh, the Unitarian preacher has a lot to learn
They say he prays "To whom it may concern"

Oh, the Lutheran preacher has a really nice home
And he's careful to stay just one step from Rome

Oh, the Episcopal preacher prays on bended knees
He gets his prayers answered 'cause he always says "Please"

Oh, the Presbyterian preacher is one of the "Elected"
Everybody else just hopes they'll be selected

And synagogues are (unsurprisingly) not exempt -

Oh, the Rabbi preacher gives good advice
He'll get you into heaven for a wholesale price

And then there's Jacob's Ladder's unique version. The band explains:

This gospel number struck us as a must-sing crossover song between the Christian gospel tradition and the Jewish traditions. Jerusalem is all over Jewish liturgy, and is very much apart of the Jewish identity and soul, as best exemplified in Psalms 137 (" If I forget you Jerusalem, let my right forget how to work"). 

There is so much these days that pulls us apart: to wake up in our world today in 2024, there is more of a natural tendency to "other" just about everything and everyone. We hope that this song does just the opposite. 

There's a wailing, "high lonesome" sound to traditional American folk and gospel songs, harkening back to the days of strife and toil as a working class person in the coal mines in late 19th century early 20th century America. 

Musical expression of Jewish suffering has varied greatly over centuries, though we find a deep connection with this expression of sorrow and hopelessness in light of the past year. We hope this song brings a little light to our dark times. 

Click here for video

Verse 1 (Birkat, Grace after Meals)

ובנה ירושלים
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

עיר הקדש במהרה
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

עיר הקדש במהרה בימינו
and my soul set free

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

Verse 2 (Weekday Amidah)

וירושלים עירך ברחמים תשוב
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan! 

ותשכון בתוכה כאשר דיברת
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan! 

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

ובנה אותה בקרוב בימינו
and my soul set free 

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

Verse 3 (Jeremiah 33)

עוד ישמע בערי יהודה
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan! 

ובחוצות ירושלים
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan! 

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

קול ששון וקול שמחה
קול חתן וקול כלה 

Verse 4 (Psalms 137)

If I forget you O Jerusalem,
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan 

Let my right hand wither away!
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan 

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan 

Thank G-d there's a Heaven
and a ringing in my soul,
and my soul set free

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

Verse 5 (reprise)

ובנה ירושלים
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!

עיר הקדש במהרה
Don't you hear Jerusalem moan!