Lyrics

6. One Must Not Walk Alone
© All rights reserved by Issachar Tal van Kekem

In three cases one´s ledger is opened and accountability demanded
One sets out on a journey all alone
One dwells in an unstable house
One reneges on a vow to pay
Unfortunately, these cases occur nearly every day…

In three cases one´s ledger is opened and one is severely reprimanded
One stays awake all through the nights
One walks on the road alone
One makes room in one’s heart for the futile
These all makes one deserving of exile

In three cases one´s ledger is opened and one is judged and sentenced
One has sinned and is unrepentant
One does not guide and protect a dependant
One walks alone in contentment
For these there cannot be absolution through penance
For these, only death can restore the balance

Rabbi Chizkiyah was walking from the Jews of Göreme in the kingdom of Kapadokya
To the Study House in Lydda, one and a half million steps away: Reveal yourself to me, Oh Lord!
One and a half million cubits away: A secret will be revealed!
One and a half million steps would take rabbi Chizkiyah one moon and fifteen day.
Arriving in Yeditepe, for an overnight stay,
He there met rabbi Yeisa, who expressed his surprise, to see this great Jewish scholar travel alone.
“Rabbi, were we not taught, that a man alone, to sin is prone?”
Rabbi Chizkiyah replied: “A boy is with me, but he is forever lagging behind.
Now, let us gather brothers and pray, and the boy will look for me, and find!”
“But, Rabbi, my dear brother, a child with whom you cannot discuss words of Torah?!
Surely such a one does not count as company! Two Jews who are on their way,
And are not engaged in explaining the words of God…
Our fathers say: they deserve to DIE IN FIRE!”
“My brother Yeisa, restrict your ire! The boy had a wise father, a diligent teacher,
who taught him all a Jew can know about the Sacrifices.
You will see the boy.
You will see a pure heart, a clean mind, you will not see any vices…!”

In three cases…