Author: It was written by the poet Mordechai or Mordecai. The poem consists of 5 stanzas with each stanza beginning with the first letter of the poet's name. The English version was written by the scholar Marcus Jastrow (1829 - 1903) and the rabbi Gustav Gottheil (1827 - 1903) based on a German hymn written by Leopold Stein.
Lyrics (Transliteration Excerpt):
Ma'oz tsur yeshu'ati
lecha na'eh leshabeakh.
Tikon beit tefilati
vesham todah nezaveakh.
(Excerpt of English Translation):
Rock of ages, let our song
Praise Your saving power;
You, amid the raging foes,
Were our sheltering tower.
(Excerpt of Literal Translation):
O mighty stronghold of my salvation,
to praise You is a delight.
Restore my House of Prayer and there
we will bring a thanksgiving offering.
Music Clip: Listen to Maoz Tzur from YouTube
Music Sheet: Music sheet from Sam Englander
