Shene Zetim information

"Shene Zetim" (Hebrew: שני זיתים) is a piyyut (liturgical poem) by Rabbi Solomon Ibn Gabirol of the Me'orah type, intended to be recited as part of the blessing of Yotzer ha-me'orot. The piyyut is customary recited on the Sabbath of Chanukkah in both Western and Eastern Ashkenazic rites.^[1] Despite Rabbi Shlomo Ibn Gabirol being a Sephardic poet, this piyyut has been preserved only in Ashkenazic communities.

The piyyut focuses on the golden menorah, especially the menorah mentioned in the vision of the prophet Zechariah (chapter 4), which appears in the haftarah for the sabbath of Chanukkah. The content of the piyyut revolves around the plea for redemption, and for the return of the priesthood and the kingdom of the House of David. The priesthood and kingship are referred to as "Shene Zetim'" (two olive trees) based on the interpretation of the two olive trees in the prophecy of Zechariah.^[2] The piyyut uses expressions and motifs taken from the same prophecy, including the menorah, the anointing oil, and more. There is no explicit mention of Chanukkah in the piyyut, and it is unclear whether the piyyut was originally composed for this purpose or for another occasion, such as Parshat Beha'alotcha, which also includes the same haftarah.