S’vivon

Israel

HISTORY AND SONG NOTES

S’vivon, or Sevivon, is a traditional Hebrew folksong from Israel. S’vivon is the yiddish word for “dreidel” (or “dredyl”) a traditional spinning top often seen during the Hanukkah season.

English translation:

s’vivon = dreidel (dredyl)

sov sov sov = spin, spin, spin

Hanukkah, hug hag tov = Hanukkah, it’s a good holiday

Optional English Verse:

Hanukkah, days of joy, happy times for girls and boys

Glowing lights, joyful sounds, dredyls spinning round and round

It reminds us on the glory, of the days of Judas Maccabee,

Spin the dredyl, tell the story, oh what fun for you and me!

MOvement, Singing, and Instrument playing

With its joyful mood and uptempo beat, this tune lends itself to group dancing or movement, and also works well as both a group singing or instrument playing activity for young children. The children may enjoy singing, or hearing you sing, the song while they play instruments as a group. Shakers and bells work particularly well with this song, enabling the children to play along with the beat and feel the meter. Click here to read more about group singing or instrument playing.

AUDIO RECORDING with words FOR LISTENING, SINGING ALONG, AND LEARNING: 

Downloads:

PDF of Score: S’vivon