Lyrics adapted by Frank DiGiacomo from the play by S. Ansky.
Based on THE DYBBUK, translation © 1974 by S. Morris Engel,
published by Nash Publishing Corporation, New York.

Khannon attempts to explain his fevered convictions, regarding his exploratory religious searches to his friend Hennakh. Hennakh is incredulous, and increasingly alarmed as he listens.

The Khannon's Narrative has not yet been performed. If you or your organization are interesting in learning and recording this piece, SingDiGiacomo would be interested in the results. If the DiGiacomo Family approves, your performance could be featured on this website and any sales accruing from your performance, available to you, or your organization. Please contact us at singdigiacomo@gmail.com for more information.

LYRICS
KHANNON:
    Beneath this earth there is a world
    much like the world above.
    Fields it has, and forests too,
    oceans vast, and villages,
    and mighty cities with golden domes.
    Over the fields and deserts rage violent, blistering winds...
    and on the oceans, vessels sail,
    and in the dense forests, darkness reigns eternal,
    and fearsome echoing thunder...
    One thing only is lacking there, my friend,
    one thing alone!
    Only one thing, my friend, is lacking there.
    There is no vaulting sky, no bright heaven
    from whence the fiery lightning might descend,
    and the blinding sun can shine.
    All is shadow there.
    Thus it is with the Law.
    It is deep, vast, and glorious,
    but it chains you, chains you,
    holds you to the earth,
    never to soar to the heights!
    But the Kabbalah!

(He becomes more and more excited.)

    It tears the soul from the earth.
    It raises man to the highest summits
    and opens all heaven before his eyes.
    It reaches out to the infinite
    and leads his steps to Paradise...
    It parts the Great Veil
    before the Throne of God Itself!

(He sways momentarily, overcome.)

    Take my hand! Hennakh, hold me up!
    My head is on fire!
    I cannot breathe!
    I tremble with desire!
    Oh God, oh God! Grant me the knowledge,
    the secret to achieve my holiest aims!
    God! God! Help me! Help me!
    God! Help me!