There is no delay on the day of death
There is no delay on the day of death, whether for master or disciple.
Understand, son of man, that death will destroy all.
Happy is the one who is always concerned.
The true Judge is praiseworthy in His deeds.
The Rock’s actions are upright, His judgments in all His ways,
giving each person what they deserve for their ways and behavior.
When he ate the garden’s fruit, You announced his judgment.
You created him from dust, and to dust he would return.
The spirit departs and does not return.
Moses died; who will not die?
This decree was decreed long ago.
There is a time to live and a time to die, O Holy One.
The righteous are met by angels of peace.
The sinners are met by fve cruel angels.
The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing.
All who live know they will die,
for You are the God of truth, and Your word is true.
Therefore we say: Blessed is the true Judge.
He collects all deeds, good and bad, and judges a person for every penny.
When the time comes, there is no hope but death.
When the spirit leaves, one is no more.
Moses died; who will not die?
This decree was decreed long ago.
There is a time to live, and a time to die, O Holy One.
Translated by Gabriel Wasserman.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 3: Encountering Christianity and Islam.