Im Nin'Alu

I've stumbled across a reference site that I have come to enjoy ... www.imninalu.net. Curious as to the strange site name (strange to my eyes), I went digging, and came across this poem/song that is a nice tie-in to the overarching theme of my own site. So I've created this post to collect this particular curio.

Always trust the Creator, even if all the other doors are closed on you, the Creator's door always open for you.

This song was written in the 17th century by Jewish poet and Torah commentator Rabbi Shalom Shabbazi and is based on Ezekiel's Vision of the Angels around the Creator's throne. It is performed mainly at weddings, Original version contain few lines in Hebrew and few lines in Arabic. 

אם ננעלו, אם ננעלו אם ננעלו דלתי נדיבים דלתי מרום לא ננעלו   אל חי מרומם, אל חי מרומם אל חי מרומם על כרובים כולם ברוחו יעלו   אל חי   כי הם אלי, כי הם אלי כי הם אלי כיסאו קרובים יודו שמו ויהללו   חיות שהם, חיות שהם חיות שהם רצוא ושבים מיום בריאה נכללו   גלגל ואופן רועשים מודים שמו ומקדשים מזיו כבודו לובשים   אל חי   ובשש כנפיים סביבים עפים בעת יתגלגלו יענו בקול שירים ערבים יחד באותות נדגלו   אם ננעלו, אם ננעלו אם ננעלו דלתי נדיבים דלתי מרום לא ננעלו

1988 Video Lyrics Im Nin'Alu (If The Doors Are Locked) - Ofra Haza. Im nin'alu daltei nedivim Daltei marom lo nin'alu Im nin'alu  Im nin'alu El chai El chai Im nin'alu Im nin'alu El chai You know I love you like no other Like no other in my prayer Chayot shehem ratzu vashavim Miyom bri'ah nichlelu Im nin'alu  Im nin'alu El chai Im nin'alu Take me away I need your help Somebody cries within the herd Oh my God I need your help Uveshesh k'nafaim s'vivim Afim be'et yitgalgelu El chai El chai Im nin'alu Im nin'alu El chai Im nin'alu daltei nedivim Daltei marom lo nin'alu Im nin'alu Im nin'alu

Translation 1 If (the Doors) are shut (Even) If the doors of the righteous will shut The Doors of Heaven will still be open The Living God will exalt them by Cherubs All will raise by his Spirit Living God   Since they are close to his Throne They will thank His Name and praise The sacred animals (holly beasts) will run around From the Day of Creation they were included (at God's Throne) Wheels and cycles are in uproar Thanking His Name and blessing Surrounded by the glamour of His glory Living God   By the power of their six wings They are flying around and swirling They will answer by a pleasant voice of their songs And together, by miracles ensigned   (Even) If the doors of the righteous will shut The Doors of Heaven will still be open Living God

Translation 2 If the doors are locked If the doors, if the doors, if the doors of the wealthy are locked the doors of Heaven will never be locked.   The Creator reigns supreme,  the Creator reigns supreme the Creator reigns supreme, and is higher than the angels. The Creator.   By His nearness, by His nearness, His life-giving breath flows through them.   And they glory, and they glory And they glory in His name From the moment of genesis,   The wheel in his circle thunders Acclaiming His Holy name Clothed in the glory of His radiance,   The Creator.   The six-winged cherubs surround Him, Whirling in His honor And with their free wings sweetly sing, Together, in unison   If the doors, if the doors, if the doors of the wealthy are locked the doors of Heaven will never be locked.   The Creator.

 Ofra Haza 1978

Ofra Haza 1988