12/11/2008
The kina was written in the style of the 7th or 9th century paytan Rabbi Eliezar HaKalir.The first six words are taken directly from the kina “Eicha Yashva Havatzelet HaSharon” (How the Rose of Sharon Sits [Alone]) by Rav Eliezar HaKalir, but this is used as a double meaning: praise for Am Yisrael and a blatant hint about the man who orchestrated this tragedy.
The last line of each stanza ends with the name of a destroyed yishuv (may they be speedily rebuilt). All words of the kina, except for one are found in Tanakh.
About the Composition of the Kina
The kina was written in the style of the 7th or 9th century paytan Rabbi Eliezar HaKalir and his kina of 24 stanzas about the 24 mishmarot of the Kohanim in the Bet HaMikdash. The first six words are taken directly from the kina “Eicha Yashva Havatzelet HaSharon” (How the Rose of Sharon Sits [Alone]) by Rav Eliezar HaKalir, but this is used as a double meaning: praise for Am Yisrael and a blatant hint about the man who orchestrated this tragedy.
Words of the kina are borrowed from Rabbi Eliezar’s kina as well as from chapter one of Megillat Eicha. The last line of each stanza ends with the name of a destroyed yishuv (may they be speedily rebuilt).All words of the kina, except for one are found in Tanakh.