Judaism (340-20300 & 344-20300) Spring 2006

Yedid Nefesh

Beloved of the soul, merciful Father,
Lead your servant to your will.
Your servant runs like a hart,
He bowls down to your majesty.
Your love to him is more pleasant
than the taste of any honeycomb.

Glorious one, splendor of the world,
my soul is sick for your love.
Please, God, graciously heal her,
By showing her your exquisite splendor.
Then she will strengthen and be healed,
and she will have eternal joy.

Faithful one, bestow your mercy,
and take pity on the one who loves you.
For have I yearned so much
To see your radiant power.
These things does my heart desire,
Have pity and do not hide yourself.

Reveal yourself, my beloved,
and spread over me your canopy of peace.
May the earth be illuminated by your glory,
and we will rejoice and be glad in you.
Hasten, beloved, for the time arises,
and be gracious to us as in days of old.

— Rabbi Eliezer Azikri, 16th century, Safed, Israel

To hear one of the melodies to which Yedid Nefesh is commonly sung in Ashkenazic communities, go to Hebrew Songs.com.

Last revised January 12, 2006