When Is the Jew in Paradise?

WHEN is the Jew in Paradise,

Unchained from want and care;

When joy wings word of happiness

And peace perfumes the air?

When is the hour his heart is light

And slow he is to grieve?

The Jew has but one Paradise,

And that is Friday eve.

A noble queen, she comes to bless

And bear his cares away.

To every home this Princess comes

And sanctifies the day.

The rich and poor, both old and young,

With gratitude receive

The Sabbath Princess of the Jew,

Their guest of Friday eve.

Who sees her face, Shekinah-like,

He lives a hundred years;

His children’s children bless her name

And all that she endears;

Her sacred, silent footsteps pass

Through every heart and leave

A thousand blessings for the joy

She gives on Friday eve.