Comments on: ‘Tzena, Tzena’: History of an Israeli-American Hit

By: Joan Hargrave Smith

Joan Hargrave Smith — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:35:00 +0000

Gale,
I have been having a great time today reading the posts about Tzena, Tzena. (I found this page after reading an article about the Song of the Sea manuscripts being brought together) I first learned it as a dance and then later learned the English version from Exodus 15, as above. When I read about your high school, I thought about how much it was like mine. Imagine my surprise when I read your last line and found out it was my high school, too! I graduated from Heights High in 1973.

By: Deborah Levine

Deborah Levine — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 03:08:53 +0000

And what a melody! It has been in my heart and mind for almost my whole life.

By: Erik

Erik — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:48:39 +0000

I heard this song at YMCA Camp Kiamesha in NJ circa 1950. It played from the mess hall endlessly, but really never became tiresome. Despite having “C” sponsorship, a number of the counselors were Jewish, which may account for the song’s popularity. Just on a whim I googled Kiamesha only to find the camp has been abandoned, but traces–including the mess hall–still exist. I named my new Golden Retriever rescue girl, age 8, Tsena. Amazingly there are those who remember the song and the Weavers’ version when I tell them her name.

By: Tzena Clark

Tzena Clark — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 04:37:33 +0000

That is very interesting! My name is also Tzena. My mom said she sang a song in grade school called “Tzena, Tzena” – other than that I don’t know much about my name, but I am researching more about it now. I was born in 1987. I have found the lyrics and versions of people singing it, very pretty song!

By: Tsagiglalal

Tsagiglalal — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:50:46 +0000

-I learned Tzena at Girl Scout camp in the 1960’s. Am thrilled to here it in Hebrew. Columbia River G.S. Council

By: Carlo Schena

Carlo Schena — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:54:30 +0000

I am the video poster and I don’t think it’s sexist, as sung by The Weavers. Maybe they were uninformed, but in that period (40’s and 50’s) it was normal, there was not such communication as today. Anyway I’m happy that you took interest in my video.

By: Tzena Ramona Carpenter

Tzena Ramona Carpenter — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 13:09:38 +0000

Thank you for your translation of my name. I too, never knew it’s meaning. My Dad loved folk music, and I’m sure, this is how he found the name.
Tzena Ramona

By: Spike Maiden Mueller

Spike Maiden Mueller — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:56:56 +0000

Did you ever find out whether Mills still holds the copyright? I would send them a request for permission to arrange if I could just find out where to send it.

I’d love to hear your arrangement someday.

Thanks,

Spike