Rejoice, my friend

Abraham ben Ḥalfon

Late 12th Century

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 party, a banquet, and a holiday,

with aged wine and fatty veal.

Send gifts to the poor.

Distribute portions to people who have nothing prepared.

And recall the wondrous miracles

that the One of great deeds performed for you.

Have them in your mouth, and speak of them in the presence of all,

and pay no attention to vanities,

so that people will know that there is One looking after

Israel, and that His ways are great.

Translated by Gabriel Wasserman.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.

Creator Bio