ילדות של פעם [Yaldut Shel Pa'am] [English translation]

I will not forget childhood

in our neighborhood

where we played every day

in the sand

we invented games

Bottle and Seven Stones

water battles

we ran wild every week

we were united together

the family and the uncles1

we had a childhood of space (freedom)

one television channel

and everyone drinking Gazoz2

always eating something good

i will not forget childhood

in our neighborhood

we would all go

and play in puddles

we waited for the holidays

building Sukkas3and adorning them with decorations

At Hanukah how father would

would light all the candles

everything was so innocent

without presents from our parents

we had a childhood of yesterday

i miss it so

oh what a generation

if only i could return

how everything was simple, longing

what a magical time of childhood

every day that passes

i think of you

I will not forget childhood

in our neighborhood we had much of everything

but also much simpler

a small but perfect selection

of games

and such tasty candies from the store

i remember on Friday4

the candles and the voices

remember how father

sang in the synagogue

made Kidush5

sitting all together

and singing Lecha Dodi6

the great Lecha Dodi

how everything was simple, longing

what a magical time of childhood

every day that passes

i think of you

I will not forget childhood

in our neighborhood

and it is good that i still have

a sea of memories...

1. the extended family2. soda made from syrup and soda water, also the name Gazoz was adopted by a popular band3. Sukkah - A temporary hut built for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot4. night - start of the Jewish Sabbath5. blessing recited over wine or grape juice to sanctify the Sabbath6. a song sung that welcomes the Sabbath Bride