“The Lion” in the African folk song “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” refers to a redemptive leader who’s waiting in the jungle for the right moment to return to civilization. So too with Elijah: his visit is the herald of the messiah—of our future redemption. And what can bring the messianic age faster than singing harmony? (The most difficult part of leading this song is figuring out how to end it—after everyone gets going, and they’re smiling, and the energy is high.)
Song to the tune of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (à la Pete Seeger), at the moment when we open the door for Elijah.
Singing part #1: Get up, Jews, for he comes! Oh, here he comes! Oh, here he comes!
Singing part #2: A-wim-a-weh (repeat)
Singing part #3: To our household—this very household—Elijah comes tonight.
