In memory of Rachel Levi, 17, who was killed by a suicide-bomber in Jerusalem on March 29, 2002. She was a friend and class-mate of our older daughter. 'Shabbat' is the Hebrew word for the Jewish Sabbath, which begins on a Friday evening at sunset. The third verse refers to Racheli's brief bout with bulimia, which she had successfully overcome. The song is on The King's Well.
Racheli walks to the store on a Friday afternoon: Just another little chore and Shabbat will be here soon. She likes to help out when she can -- Today she's time on her hands; And she thinks she'll buy some flowers to brighten up the room.
When she goes down to the square, sometimes her brother tags along, They link hands and swing their arms and sing a marching song; Though they're ten years apart, They laugh and sing with the same heart; But today she's going alone -- one quick dash, then straight back home.
Racheli walks to the store a few minutes down the street; The centre's full of passersby; the spring air tastes so sweet; She's feeling stronger every day -- Her friends have helped her find a way -- And she's looking t'ward the future and the challenges she'll meet.
She doesn't see the other girl with a package 'round her waist, Or the women selling herbs who leave the place in haste: She's thinking "sugar, eggs, flowers" and "Shabbat, in a few hours". She nears the entrance of the store... She doesn't live here any more.