Since Purim is here, why not take a break from our lessons and sing, dance and rejoice! This song is popular, well known even outside the Jewish communities. Purim is just as good a time to have fun – so listen and sing along. (English translation is at the end of this post)

The dance that goes with it is called the Hora dance. Here’s a video of it being danced at a birthday party. It’s easy to learn and fun – try it!

The dance steps are really easy:

    1 – Stand in a circle holding the hands of the people on either side of you.
    2 – When the music starts, follow the circle as it rotates.
    3 – Step to the side, passing your left foot behind your right.
    4 – Move the right foot beside the left foot.
    5 – Step to the side again, passing your left foot in front of your right this time.
    6 – Continue as the circle keeps spinning, adding a little hop to your steps as you go faster.
    7 – Move toward the center of the circle and throw your hands, still holding those of the people beside you, in the air.
    8 – Lower your hands and move backward.
    9 – Go back to Step 1 and repeat

Watch how they do it in the video and try it!

English translation

Let’s rejoice
Let’s rejoice
Let’s rejoice and be happy

Let’s rejoice
Let’s rejoice
Let’s rejoice and be happy

Let’s sing
Let’s sing
Let’s sing and be happy

Let’s sing
Let’s sing
Let’s sing and be happy

Awake, awake, brothers!
Awake brothers with a happy heart
Awake brothers with a happy heart
Awake brothers with a happy heart
Awake brothers with a happy heart

Awake, brothers, awake, brothers!
With a happy heart

Video by Sonya Katasheva