Rika Zarai (born 19 February 1938, Jerusalem - died 23 December 2020 Paris)… Read Full Bio ↴Rika Zarai (born 19 February 1938, Jerusalem - died 23 December 2020 Paris), was an Israeli singer, who performed in Hebrew, English, French, Italian, Spanish and German.

Zarai became famous in 1969 with Casatchok and Alors je chante (the french version of Vivo Cantando). She popularized Israeli classic songs such as Hava Nagila, Yerushalayim shel zahav and Hallelujah.

She has a daughter named Yael, born in 1959.

Oriental Hava Naguila
Rika Zaraï Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hava
Hava

(Instrumental)

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,

Venis mecha.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Venis mecha.

Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Venis mecha.

Uru, Uru achim,
Uru achim belev sameach,
Uru achim belev sameach,
Uru achim belev sameach,
Uru achim belev sameach.

Uru achim
(Uru achim)
Uru achim
(Uru achim)
Belev sameach.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

(Instrumental)

Hava

(Instrumental)

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Venis mecha.

Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Hava neranena,
Venis mecha.

Uru, Uru achim,
Uru achim belev sameach,
Uru achim belev sameach,
Uru achim belev sameach.

Uru achim
(Uru achim)
Uru achim
(Uru achim)
Belev sameach.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Hava nagila,
Hava nagila,

Hava nagila,
Venis mecha.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Rika Zaraï's song "Oriental Hava Naguila" are a straightforward rendition of the well-known Jewish folk song "Hava Nagila." The song's lyrics do not have a specific narrative or storyline, but instead repeat the phrase "Hava Nagila" and "Hava Neranena," which means "let us rejoice" in Hebrew. The song is upbeat and joyful, meant to spread happiness and encourage dancing.

The song begins with an instrumental introduction before launching into the first round of "Hava Nagila" and "Venis Mecha," which means "and let's raise up." The verses repeat these phrases, with the addition of "Hava Neranena" and "Uru Achim," which means "wake up my brothers" in Hebrew. The final verse adds "belev sameach," which translates to "with a happy heart."

Overall, "Oriental Hava Naguila" is an enthusiastic call to gather together and celebrate with joy, singing, and dancing.

Line by Line Meaning

Hava nagila,
Let us rejoice,

Venis mecha.
And be happy.

Hava neranena,
Let us sing,

Venis mecha.
And be happy.

Uru, Uru achim,
Wake up, wake up brothers,

Uru achim belev sameach,
Wake up brothers with a happy heart,

Uru achim belev sameach.
Wake up brothers with a happy heart.

Hava nagila,
Let us rejoice,

Venis mecha.
And be happy.

Writer(s): Rika Zaray

Contributed by Jacob M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.