Holem Tza'adi (My Step Resounds)

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About the Song

Holem Tza’adi was written by Mordechai Zeira (1905 – 1968), with lyrics by Yitzchak (Shenberg) Shenhar (1902-1957).  Both made aliyah from Russia at the age of 19, and devoted themselves to the cultural life of the yishuv.  Zeira is considered to be among the “fathers of Israeli song,” a “troubadour” who traveled the length and breadth of the country, singing his songs, while Shenhar wrote song lyrics and other poetry, in addition to stories and  dramatic works.

Holem Tza’adi is sometimes called “Shirat HaShomer,” a song of the watchman.  The opening section reflects the guard in his reveries, while the energy of the second section represents his readiness to meet any challenge.  Despite borrowing the indigenous sounds of the local Arabs, the song captures the spirit of the pioneers.  It also captured the imaginations of the Diaspora Jews, who learned it through the educational and fund-raising activities of the Keren Kayemet in their efforts to raise support for the foundling Jewish settlement.