A Poetic Prayer Memorializing the Sabbath Sacrifice

Tikanta Shabbat (You Instituted the Sabbath)

4th–6th Century

You instituted the Sabbath, You favored its offerings,

You commanded its specific laws

along with the order of its libations.

Those who delight in it inherit eternal glory,

those who relish it merit life,

and those who love its teachings have chosen greatness.

Even before Sinai they were commanded about it.

[Then you, Lord our God, commanded us to offer on it

the additional offering of the Sabbath in the proper way.]

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.