Ematay

Kol Rinah, the Jewish Chorale of Westchester, sings Eymatay, a traditional folk song, arranged by Abraham W. Binder. Our conductor is Benjamin Gruder; our accompanist is Laura Ravotti. Recorded live at Congregation Sons of Israel, Briarcliff Manor, on June 16, 2024.
Lyrics and translation:
V'im lo achshav, Ematay?
Chalutzim, gicher!
Chalutzim zicher nit arop gelost di kep.
Pak ayn di peklach, far neyt di zeklach
Vail der poyest fort avek.
Prushchaiti sedruzya, pruschai Klachova!
Yedyem yem nafsigda
Artsah Yisrael!
And if not now, when?
Pioneers, quickly!
Pioneers, surely don't hang your heads.
Pack up your bags, sew up your sacks
Because the train is pulling away.
Farewell, friends, farewell, Klachova! [small town in Russia]
Let's go, let's go for good
To the land of Israel!