"Hatikvah" is the national anthem of the State of Israel. It is a 19th-century Jewish poem that embodies the 2,000-year-old aspiration of the Jewish people to return to the Land of Israel and re-establish it as a free and sovereign nation-state.

What does the name "Hatikvah" mean?

The name "Hatikvah" translates from Hebrew to "The Hope."

Who wrote the lyrics for "Hatikvah"?

The lyrics for "Hatikvah" are adapted from a poem written by Naftali Herz Imber, a Jewish poet.

From where did the poet Naftali Herz Imber originate?

Naftali Herz Imber was from Zolochiv, a city in Austrian Galicia (now part of Ukraine) that was known as "The City of Poets."

When did Naftali Herz Imber compose the initial version of the poem that would become "Hatikvah"?

Imber wrote the first version of the poem in 1877.

In which city was Imber hosted when he wrote the first version of the poem?

Imber was hosted by a Jewish scholar in Iași when he wrote the first version of the poem.

When did Naftali Herz Imber emigrate to Palestine?

Imber emigrated to Ottoman-ruled Palestine in 1882.

Which early Jewish settlements did Imber visit upon his arrival in Palestine?

Upon arriving in Palestine, Imber visited the early Jewish villages of Rishon LeZion, Rehovot, Gedera, and Yesud HaMa'ala.

Who is credited with adapting the melody for "Hatikvah", and approximately when did this occur?

Shmuel Cohen adapted the melody for "Hatikvah" around 1887 or 1887-1888.

What was Shmuel Cohen's approximate age when he adapted the melody for "Hatikvah"?

Shmuel Cohen was approximately 17 or 18 years old when he adapted the melody.

What was the source of the melody that Shmuel Cohen used for "Hatikvah"?

Shmuel Cohen adapted the melody from a song he was familiar with from Romania.

What was the original title of Naftali Herz Imber's nine-stanza poem that formed the basis of "Hatikvah"?

The original title of Imber's nine-stanza poem was "Tikvatenu," which translates to "Our Hope."

What sentiment did Imber's poem "Tikvatenu" express in relation to Petah Tikva?

The poem "Tikvatenu" expressed Imber's thoughts and feelings following the establishment of Petah Tikva, a settlement whose name literally means "Opening of Hope."

In which year and city was Imber's poem "Tikvatenu" published in his book *Barkai*?

Imber's poem "Tikvatenu" was published in Jerusalem in 1886 within his book titled *Barkai*, which means "Shining Morning Star."

Which early Zionist organizations adopted "Tikvatenu" as an anthem?

"Tikvatenu" was adopted as an anthem by the Hovevei Zion movement and subsequently by the broader Zionist Movement.

How many anthem competitions did the Zionist Organization hold, and during which years?

The Zionist Organization held two competitions for an anthem: one in 1898 and another in 1900 at the Fourth Zionist Congress.

What was the outcome of the Zionist Organization's anthem competitions?

The entries submitted to the Zionist Organization's anthem competitions were all deemed unsatisfactory, and none were selected.

At which Zionist Congress was "Hatikvah" first sung, contributing to its popularity?

"Hatikvah" gained popularity after being sung at the Fifth Zionist Congress in Basel in 1901.

During which Zionist Congress did delegates sing "Hatikvah" in opposition to the Uganda Scheme?

At the Sixth Zionist Congress in Basel in 1903, delegates sang "Hatikvah" to express their opposition to the proposal for a Jewish state in Uganda.

What specific line from "Hatikvah" was used to emphasize the preference for Palestine during the Sixth Zionist Congress debate?

The line "An eye still gazes toward Zion" was used to emphasize their commitment to Palestine as the Jewish homeland.

When was "Hatikvah" formally adopted as the anthem of the Zionist movement?

"Hatikvah" was formally adopted as the anthem of the Zionist movement at the Eighteenth Zionist Congress in Prague in 1933.

When did the British Mandate government impose a ban on the public performance of "Hatikvah"?

The British Mandate government briefly banned the public performance and broadcast of "Hatikvah" starting in 1919.

What was the reason behind the British Mandate government's ban on "Hatikvah"?

The ban was implemented in response to increased Arab anti-Zionist political activity.

Where and when was "Hatikvah" reportedly sung by Czech Jews facing persecution?

A report indicates that Czech Jews spontaneously sang "Hatikvah" at the entrance to the Auschwitz-Birkenau gas chamber in 1944, while being subjected to violence by Waffen-SS guards.

When was "Hatikvah" unofficially recognized as the national anthem of Israel?

"Hatikvah" was unofficially proclaimed the national anthem of Israel upon the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.

In what year did "Hatikvah" officially become the national anthem of Israel?

"Hatikvah" officially became the national anthem of Israel in November 2004.

Which legislative body officially sanctioned the version of "Hatikvah" that serves as Israel's national anthem?

The Knesset officially sanctioned the version of "Hatikvah" as Israel's national anthem.

What legislative change officially recognized "Hatikvah" as Israel's national anthem?

The anthem was officially recognized through an amendment to the Flag and Coat-of-Arms Law, which was subsequently renamed the Flag, Coat-of-Arms, and National Anthem Law.

How is the official text of "Hatikvah" structured in its modern rendition?

The modern official text of "Hatikvah" consists of the first stanza and the refrain of the original poem.

What is the melodic basis for "Hatikvah"?

The melody for "Hatikvah" is derived from "La Mantovana," an Italian song composed around 1600.

Who composed "La Mantovana"?

"La Mantovana" was composed by Giuseppe Cenci, also known as Giuseppino del Biado.

What were some of the alternative titles or forms of "La Mantovana" in early 17th-century Europe?

In the early 17th century, the melody was known by various titles, including *Ballo di Mantova*, *Pod Krakowem* (Polish), *Cucuruz cu frunza-n sus* (Romanian, meaning "Maize with up-standing leaves"), and *Kateryna Kucheryava* (Ukrainian).

Which Czech composer incorporated the "Hatikvah" melody into his symphonic cycle *Má vlast*?

Czech composer Bedřich Smetana incorporated the "Hatikvah" melody into his symphonic poem cycle *Má vlast* (My Homeland).

In which specific symphonic poem within Smetana's *Má vlast* does the "Hatikvah" melody appear?

The "Hatikvah" melody appears in the second poem of *Má vlast*, titled "Vltava" (also known as "The Moldau").

Which French composer also utilized the "Hatikvah" melody in one of his compositions?

Camille Saint-Saëns used the "Hatikvah" melody in his work titled *Rhapsodie bretonne*.

What musical scale characterizes the melody of "Hatikvah", and what is the common perception of this scale in national anthems?

The melody of "Hatikvah" follows a minor scale, which is often perceived as mournful and is less common for national anthems, which typically employ major scales for a more uplifting or triumphant feel.

What Romanian folk song is cited as the source for the melody adapted by Shmuel Cohen for "Hatikvah"?

Shmuel Cohen recalled that the melody was based on the Romanian folk song "Carul cu boi," which translates to "the ox-driven cart."

What is the perceived tonal quality of the "Hatikvah" melody, and why is this unusual for a national anthem?

The "Hatikvah" melody, based on a minor scale, is often perceived as mournful. This is unusual for national anthems, which typically aim for a more optimistic or martial tone.

What incident occurred in October 2017 at a judo competition in the United Arab Emirates involving "Hatikvah"?

At the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Slam judo tournament, officials played the International Judo Federation anthem instead of "Hatikvah" after Israeli judoka Tal Flicker won a gold medal; Flicker subsequently sang "Hatikvah" privately.

Which American composer adapted "Hatikvah" for the 2005 film *Munich*?

John Williams adapted "Hatikvah" for the 2005 historical drama film *Munich*.

Besides *Munich*, in which other notable films has "Hatikvah" been featured?

"Hatikvah" has also been used in the film adaptation of Leon Uris's novel *Exodus* and in the 1993 film *Schindler's List*.

Which artist performed "Hatikvah" in a 1978 televised special that included a phone conversation with Golda Meir?

Barbra Streisand performed "Hatikvah" in 1978 on the television special *The Stars Salute Israel at 30*.

Which American musician's 2016 song "Come Down" sampled "Hatikvah" in English?

Anderson .Paak's 2016 song "Come Down" sampled "Hatikvah" in English, with the sample attributed to producer Hi-Tek.

What controversy surrounded Daniel Sa'adon's 2018 rendition of "Hatikvah"?

Daniel Sa'adon's rendition, inspired by the Levantine music and dance style *dabke*, sparked controversy, including accusations of appropriating Palestinian culture and criticism from Israelis due to its popularity with Hamas.

What was Daniel Sa'adon's stated motivation for his rendition of "Hatikvah"?

Sa'adon aimed to "show that the unity of cultures is possible through music" and expressed a long-standing appreciation for Southwest Asian and North African musical styles.

What pop remix of "Hatikvah" was released in May 2021 by Israeli artists Omer Adam and Noa Kirel?

Omer Adam and Noa Kirel released a pop remix of "Hatikvah" titled "Hope" on May 25, 2021.

Who produced the 2021 pop remix of "Hatikvah" titled "Hope"?

The 2021 pop remix "Hope" was produced by Scott Storch.

What was the reception of the 2021 pop remix "Hope" by some Israelis?

Some Israelis considered the 2021 pop remix "Hope" to be disrespectful, resulting in mixed reviews.

What are the official Hebrew lyrics for the first stanza and refrain of "Hatikvah"?

The official Hebrew lyrics are: Kol 'od balevav penimah / Nefesh Yehudi homiyah, / Ulfa'atey mizrach kadimah, / 'Ayin leTziyon tzofiyah; / 'Od lo avdah tikvatenu, / Hatikvah bat shnot 'alpayim, / Lihyot 'am chofshi be'artzenu, / 'Eretz Tziyon v'Yerushalayim.

What is the literal English translation of the first stanza and refrain of "Hatikvah"?

The literal English translation is: "As long as in the heart, within, / The Jewish soul yearns, / And towards the ends of the east, / [The Jewish] eye gazes toward Zion, / Our hope is not yet lost, / The hope of two thousand years, / To be a free nation in our own land, / The land of Zion and Jerusalem."

What is the poetic English translation of the first stanza and refrain of "Hatikvah"?

The poetic English translation is: "O while within a Jewish breast, / Beats true a Jewish heart, / And Jewish glances turning East, / To Zion fondly dart; / O then our Hope—it is not dead, / Our ancient Hope and true, / To be a nation free forevermore / Zion and Jerusalem at our core."

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Historical Context

Poetic Genesis

The lyrical foundation of "Hatikvah" originates from a poem penned in 1877 by Naftali Herz Imber, a Jewish poet from Zolochiv, then part of Austrian Poland. Imber's work captured the profound, 2,000-year-old yearning of the Jewish people for sovereignty and return to the Land of Israel. His words, particularly "Lashuv le'eretz avotenu" (to return to the land of our forefathers), resonated deeply with the early Zionist pioneers.

Musical Adaptation

In 1887, Shmuel Cohen, a young resident of Rishon LeZion with a musical inclination, adapted a Romanian folk melody to Imber's poem. This musical setting transformed the poem into a song, rapidly disseminating it throughout the nascent Zionist communities in Palestine and fostering a shared sense of identity and aspiration.

Adoption and Recognition

While "Hatikvah" was sung at Zionist Congresses and became the unofficial anthem of the Zionist movement, its formal adoption as the national anthem of the State of Israel occurred in November 2004. An abbreviated and edited version was sanctioned by the Knesset, solidifying its status as the official national song, embodying the fulfillment of a long-held collective hope.

The Text of Hatikvah

Official Hebrew Lyrics

The modern Hebrew text, representing the official version of the anthem, consists of the first stanza and refrain of Imber's original poem. It articulates the enduring Jewish spirit and the aspiration for a free nation in Zion and Jerusalem.

כֹּל עוֹד בַּלֵּבָב פְּנִימָה
נֶפֶשׁ יְהוּדִי הוֹמִיָּה,
וּלְפַאֲתֵי מִזְרָח קָדִימָה,
עַיִן לְצִיּוֹן צוֹפִיָּה;

עוֹד לֹא אָבְדָה תִּקְוָתֵנוּ,
הַתִּקְוָה בַּת שְׁנוֹת אַלְפַּיִם,
לִהְיוֹת עַם חָפְשִׁי בְּאַרְצֵנוּ,
אֶרֶץ צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָׁלַיִם.‎

English Translation

The English translation captures the poetic essence and the profound sentiment of longing and hope for national self-determination and the restoration of Jerusalem.

As long as in the heart, within,
The Jewish soul still yearns,
And towards the ends of the east,
The eye still gazes toward Zion;

Our hope is not yet lost,
The hope of two thousand years,
To be a free nation in our land,
The land of Zion and Jerusalem.

Melody and Origins

Musical Roots

The melody of "Hatikvah" is derived from "La Mantovana," a 16th-century Italian folk song composed by Giuseppe Cenci. This melody achieved considerable popularity across Europe, appearing in various forms and languages, including Polish ("Pod Krakowem") and Romanian ("Cucuruz cu frunza-n sus"). Its widespread adoption highlights the universality of its tune.

Audio Renditions

Experience the anthem through historical recordings and musical interpretations.

Instrumental rendition by the United States Navy Band

First recording of "Hatikvah", performed by Hulda Lashanska

BBC recording from 1945 of Bergen-Belsen survivors singing "Hatikvah"

Musical score of "Hatikvah":

You can download the audio file.

Emotional Resonance

The melody, often perceived as melancholic due to its minor key, contrasts with the anthem's optimistic title and theme of hope. This juxtaposition contributes to its profound emotional impact, resonating with the historical struggles and aspirations of the Jewish people.

Cultural Significance & Usage

In Film and Media

The evocative melody of "Hatikvah" has been adapted and featured in various cinematic works. Notable examples include John Williams' adaptation in the 2005 film Munich, and its inclusion in films such as Schindler's List and the adaptation of Leon Uris's novel Exodus, underscoring its thematic relevance to Jewish history and resilience.

Popular Music Interpretations

Modern artists have reinterpreted "Hatikvah," sometimes sparking debate. Anderson .Paak sampled the anthem in his 2016 track "Come Down." More controversially, a 2018 rendition by Daniel Sa'adon incorporating dabke elements drew accusations of cultural appropriation and criticism for its perceived political implications. Similarly, a 2021 pop remix by Omer Adam and Noa Kirel received mixed reviews, with some deeming it disrespectful.

International Representation

The anthem's international presence has been noted in instances where political sensitivities have led to its omission. In 2017, officials in the United Arab Emirates played the International Judo Federation anthem instead of "Hatikvah" during an award ceremony for an Israeli judoka, highlighting the complex geopolitical context in which national symbols are sometimes presented.

Original and Official Lyrics

Imber's Original Poem

Naftali Herz Imber's original nine-stanza poem, titled "Tikvatenu" ("Our Hope"), provided the basis for the anthem. While the official version focuses on the core theme of hope and return, the complete poem delves deeper into the historical narrative and the longing for national sovereignty.

Modern Hebrew Original	English Translation
עוֹד לֹא אָבְדָה תִּקְוָתֵנוּ הַתִּקְוָה הַנּוֹשָׁנָה לָשׁוּב לְאֶרֶץ אֲבוֹתֵינוּ לְעִיר בָּהּ דָּוִד חָנָה. כָּל עוֹד בַּלֵּבָב שָׂשָׂמֵינוּ עוֹד הוֹלְכִי לְקִבְרֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ וּבֵין חָרְבוֹת יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עוֹד בַּת צִיּוֹן בּוֹכִיָּה.‎	Our hope is not yet lost, The ancient hope, To return to the land of our fathers; The city where David encamped. As long as in our heart within, We still go to the graves of our fathers, And among the ruins of Jerusalem Still a daughter of Zion cries.

Critiques and Perspectives

Religious Critiques

Certain segments of the Orthodox Jewish community have expressed reservations regarding "Hatikvah" due to its perceived lack of explicit religious content, such as mentions of God or the Torah. While not universally rejected, this perspective highlights a desire for anthems that more directly reflect religious observance and divine providence.

Non-Jewish Israeli Perspectives

The anthem's explicitly Jewish themes and historical references present a challenge for some non-Jewish Israeli citizens. Scholars like Avishai Margalit and Moshe Halbertal have noted that phrases such as "a Jewish soul yearns" can create a sense of estrangement for Arab-Israelis and other minorities, prompting discussions about inclusivity and the potential for modifying or replacing the anthem to represent all citizens.

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References

See Help:IPA/Hebrew and Modern Hebrew phonology.

Naphtali Herz Imber (1904) Barkoi or The Blood Avenger, A. H. Rosenberg, New York (Hebrew and English)

Lyrics: https://lyricstranslate.com/en/carul-cu-boi-ox-driven-cart.html

A full list of references for this article are available at the Hatikvah Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical, cultural, or musical consultation. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Hatikvah: The Anthem of Enduring Hope

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Historical Context ⏳

📜 Poetic Genesis

🎵 Musical Adaptation

🗳️ Adoption and Recognition

The Text of Hatikvah ✍️

📖 Official Hebrew Lyrics

🌍 English Translation

Melody and Origins 🎼

🎶 Musical Roots

🎧 Audio Renditions

🎼 Emotional Resonance

Cultural Significance & Usage 🌟

🎬 In Film and Media

🎤 Popular Music Interpretations

🌍 International Representation

Original and Official Lyrics 📜

📖 Imber's Original Poem

Critiques and Perspectives 🤔

🙏 Religious Critiques

⚖️ Non-Jewish Israeli Perspectives

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Historical Context

Poetic Genesis

Musical Adaptation

Adoption and Recognition

The Text of Hatikvah

Official Hebrew Lyrics

English Translation

Melody and Origins

Musical Roots

Audio Renditions

Emotional Resonance

Cultural Significance & Usage

In Film and Media

Popular Music Interpretations

International Representation

Original and Official Lyrics

Imber's Original Poem

Critiques and Perspectives

Religious Critiques

Non-Jewish Israeli Perspectives

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice