Mourn for Zion and her cities, like a woman giving birth, like a maiden wrapped in sack-cloth for the husband of her youth

Mourn for the palace that was abandoned like a sheep’s negligence of its flock,

and for the entry of God’s blasphemers into her holy sanctuary.

Mourn for God’s exiled servants who beautifully sang her songs,

and for their blood that was spilled like the waters of her rivers.

Mourn for the chatter of her dancers whose silence fills her cities,

and for the assembly that was destroyed and the abolition of her Sanhedrin.

Mourn for the daily sacrifices and the redemption of her firstborn,

and for the desecration of the Temple vessels and the altar of her incense.

Mourn for the babes of her kings, noble children of David,

and for their beauty that was darkened at the time of the removal of her crowns.

Mourn for the glory that was dispelled at the time of the destruction of her Holy of Holies,

and for the oppressor who tormented her whilst girding her in sackcloth.

Mourn for the wounds and the many blows that struck her sainted ones,

and for the smashing on the rock of her young children.

Mourn for the joy of her haters who rejoiced over her downfall,

and for the torment of her pure and noble citizens.

Mourn for the sins that caused her to deviate from the true path,

and for her numerous congregations, which were tarnished and blackened.

Mourn for the voices of her abusers as her rising corpses mounted,

and for the jeering mobs within her holy courtyards.

Mourn for Your name which was desecrated in the mouths of those who stand against her,

and for their prayers which they cry out to you, heed and hear her words....

Mourn for Zion and her cities, like a woman giving birth, like a maiden wrapped in sack-cloth for the husband of her youth