A song by Peter Yarrow--of Peter, Paul, and Mary fame--celebrating the Maccabees' fight for justice, and the Jewish people's continuation of that struggle throughout the ages. American Jews' involvement in social justice issues peaked during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s, a fact that undoubtedly influenced Yarrow when he wrote the lyrics, "We have come this far, always believing that judgement will somehow prevail. This is the burden! This is the promise! And this is why we will not fail!"

LIGHT ONE CANDLE

Light one candle for the Maccabee children,
Give thanks that their light didn't die.
And light one candle for the pain they endured,
When their right to exist was denied.
Light one candle for the terrible sacrifice
Justice and freedom demand,
Light one candle for the wisdom to know
When the peacemakers' time is at hand.

Don't let the light go out
It's lasted for so many years,
Don't let the light go out,
Let it shine through our love and our tears.

Light one candle for the strength that we need,
To never become our own foe,
Light one candle for those who are suffering,
Names we heard so long ago,
Light one candle for all we believe in,
That hate will not tear us apart,
Light one candle to bind us together,
For peace that's the song in our heart.