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Esta Rahel La'Estimoza - אסתא רחל לאסתימוזא


This classic song written in old Spanish used to be sung for the bride before her wedding. Today, many Moroccan Jews have the custom to sing it at the Henna ceremony or at the wedding. In short, we tell the bride that the material figures in life are of least importance and all what matters is being thankful to Hashem our God.
The maqam of this song is misirki.
I like to sing this tune during Hallel since the chorus contains the words of הודו לה' כי טוב. I would open with a petiha for הללו את ה' כל גוים and then continue with this tune beginning with Hodu, continuing through min hametzar and ending with ze hayom asa adonai. In this recording I continue using the tune straight until the end of Hallel. However, as many are accustomed to, after ze hayom, we go back to pithu li and repeat it using a different tune.
In honour of Rosh Hodesh Shevat, I post this today for your learning pleasure.

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