Explanation of the Sabbath Prayer in the Fiddler on the Roof?

Question

could u please explain wat the sabbath prayer means.

Lyrics:
May the Lord protect and defend you
May He always shield you from shame
May you come to be in Israel a shining name

May you be like Ruth and like Ester
May you be deserving of praise
Strengthen them, oh Lord
And keep them from the stranger’s ways

May God bless you and grant you long lives
May the Lord fulfill our Sabbath prayer for you
May God make you good mothers and wives
May he send you husbands who will care for you
May the Lord protect and defend you
May the Lord preserve you from pain
Favor them, oh Lord, with happiness and peace

Oh, hear our Sabbath prayer


Thanks!!!

Answer 1

Perhaps knowing the following will be helpful: I'm hardly a scholar in such matters, but i do recall that both Ruth and Esther were considered to be very outstanding and powerful women in the Old Testament. And, to a dramatic degree, very helpful to their "people".

The strangers would be Gentiles, i presume. The prayer is indicating that one should keep to one's own "path" rather than adopting another's.

Additionally, all of the "desert religions" (Islam, Judaism, Christianity) are basically patriarchal --the woman's "role" was as wife and mother -- period! In a sense, one could say, that the prayer is reminding women that if they follow the rules they will be in God's favor. Otherwise?

I hope this helps :))

Answer 2

Sabbath Prayer Lyrics

Answer 3

The lyrics to the Sabbath Prayer from Fiddler on the Roof are the invention of Sheldon Harnick, who wrote the lyrics for the Broadway musical. Although they may sound religiously inspired, there is no such actual prayer in Judaism.