O my unique soul
O my unique soul, launder your heart with lye,
and be pure, like sapphire or glass.
Confess your crimes and beseech
your Creator with broken heart and weeping.
And He, being merciful, will forgive your sin,
and not destroy—so you will be cleansed and innocent.
He will wipe the tears from your brow,
and you will see all that you have hoped and waited for.
Translated by Gabriel Wasserman.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.
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The soul of the holy progeny
The soul of the holy progeny [i.e., the Jewish people], who are clearly indicated by name—
May you gird them with might,
to straighten them, every crooked heart, to be in awe of You.
Each will say “I…
Rejoice, my friend
Rejoice, my friend, on the day of Purim,
and may your heart be glad and sing with lyres
to God, who wrought vengeance for you this day
against your enemies and hanged them with ropes.
Make a…
Dressed in His purple cloak, gleaming
[Dressed in] His purple cloak, gleaming red, He—a fre that devours fre—gathered to Himself His loyal servants, their fesh and their blood. They consecrated themselves to Him, each man killing his own…
God, You commanded Your beloved chosen one
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You shall keep My covenant impressed in your fesh—an eternal covenant.
You shall cut it, for the sake of Your creator,
for the Holy One of…
Let me recall my Fathers’ names
Let me recall my Fathers’ [names]
Today before Thee, examiner and knower [of hearts].
Oh grant the Fathers’ merits to the sons,
The father an old man, and the child, of his old age.
You told your…
God, God of gods and Master of masters
God, God of gods and Master of masters,
who takes no bribes and shows no partiality,
Your sons are poor and needy before You,
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