Creator Bio
Joseph Ibn Zabara
ca. 1140–ca. 1200
Joseph ben Meir Ibn Zabara was a physician and poet from Barcelona. His Hebrew Book of Delight (Sefer sha‘ashu‘im) is written in saj‘, rhymed prose, interspersed with poems, and was intended to entertain the reader. In it, Ibn Zabara displayed his knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew literature and dealt with scientific topics at some length. He dedicated this work to Sheshet Benveniste (d. 1209), the Jewish nasi (“prince”; indicating a claim to Davidic descent) who served in the court of Alfonso II, king of Aragon (d. 1196). Joseph also composed a Hebrew didactic medical poem about human anatomy.
Content by Joseph Ibn Zabara
Primary Source
Seats of the Soul
Therefore doth it behoove every man to bless and to praise Him for all the good He hath conferred upon man; to exalt Him, to honor Him, to sanctify Him, and to declare His unity, in the thoughts of…
Primary Source
Book of Delight
Sefer sha'ashu'im (Book of Delight), I.1-2, IV:2, V:2.
There was a man in the land of Barcelona, and his name was Joseph Ibn Zabara. That man was settled on his lees, at ease from his youth [see Jeremiah 48:11], with his cousins and friends. His…