God in His faithfulness

Joseph al-Baradānī

Late 10th Century

God in His faithfulness and kindness,

caused this groom to unite with his bride,

as He brought joy to His servant Adam

with Eve, and blessed him,

and said, It is not good for man to be alone,

I will make a fitting helper for him (Genesis 2:18).

Let the groom rejoice.

For this groom with his wife,

with the bride You have given him—

Guard him like [Noah] who entered the ark,

and filled the world with his family.

He brought into the ark with him

two by two (Genesis 7:9), each with his mate.

Let the groom rejoice.

In the One who curdled him like cheese [see Job 10:10]

[Abraham], who subdued an idol and bent its back, trusted,

to serve God and not stone—

Can grain be compared to straw?

He was told, “Sarah understands—

She will bear you a son.”

Let the groom rejoice.

Let many blessings flow—

Like [Isaac] who reaped a hundredfold of produce,

and met [Rebecca’s] camels in the desert.

He was given servants and produce.

Father and brother said together,

This came from God (Genesis 24:50).

[Let the groom rejoice.]

May your path going

and coming be successful,

like [Jacob] who dreamed of a ladder,

and rolled the stone with divine strength.

May God make the woman entering

your house like Rachel and Leah.

Let the groom rejoice.

Let them both find respite.

Gladden them with good news—

Like [Moses] who had mercy on Jethro’s daughters,

watered their flocks and comforted them.

“Why did you leave him?” he rebuked them,

“Call him in to break bread!” (Exodus 2:20)

Let the groom rejoice.

Translated by Abigail Denemark Ossip.

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

God in His faithfulness

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God in His faithfulness

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