Sephardic Poems

The Abravanel, Duarte and Verdugo International Sephardic Foundation is proud to showcase six Sephardic poems that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Sephardic Jews. These poems have been carefully selected to provide a glimpse into the Sephardic community's history, customs, and beliefs.

1. "La Rosa Enflorece" - This is a traditional Sephardic love song that dates back to the 16th century. The song is a metaphor for a lover's longing and is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.

2. "El Rey Nimrod" - This is a popular Sephardic song that tells the story of King Nimrod, who tries to capture Abraham and force him to abandon his faith. The song is often sung during Hanukkah and Passover celebrations.

3. "Adio Querida" - This is a Sephardic song of farewell, often sung by women to their husbands or lovers who are leaving for a long journey. The song expresses the sadness of parting and the hope of reunion.

4. "Durme, Durme" - This is a lullaby that was sung by Sephardic mothers to their children. The song has a haunting melody and is often used in classical music compositions.

5. "Yo Hanina, Yo Hanina" - This is a Sephardic song that tells the story of Hanina ben Dosa, a Talmudic sage who was known for his miraculous powers. The song is often sung during religious ceremonies and holidays.

6. "La Komida La Manyana" - This is a humorous Sephardic song that pokes fun at the lazy habits of certain members of the community. The song is often performed at weddings and other celebrations.

These Sephardic poems provide a unique insight into the customs, beliefs, and traditions of the Sephardic community. They are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of this ancient community, which has endured for centuries.

Sources:

- "Sephardic Songs and Romances," by Alberto Hemsi

- "Sephardic Folk Songs," by Judith R. Cohen

- "The Sephardic Songbook," by Velvel Pasternak

Inspired by action on March 11, 2022

False Arrest of Chief Rabbi of Portugal 

To: Portugal King Dom Duarte ll

      PEDIR PERDÓN / APOLOGIZE 

      Ladino & English

LADINO:

Aki estamo otra bez,

En esta tierra fatídika de Portugal,

Donde siglos atrás anduvimos kon orguyo,

Pero agora nuestra istoria fue ensuziado y humilyado.

Yitsjak Abravanel, el filósofo, estadista y financiero, Rogó al Rey Manuel I ke revokara

El dekrito de expulsión de los judíos de esta yugo.

Pero su súplica fue ignorada,

Y fuimos obligados a marchar,

De nuestras kasas, sinagogas,

Nuestra kultura, nuestras kreyensas.

Ahora, siglos después, Reina el Rey Dom Duarte II, Y aún el 11 de marzo de 2022,

Nuestras sinagogas fueron invadidas kon desprecio.

Las akusasiones eran sin fundamento,

Y sin embargo se hizo daño,

A la Komunidad Judía de Oporto,

Y a nuestro orguyo, ke antes era tan gloriozo.

Llamamos al Rey Duarte a pedir perdón,

Y hacer enmiendas por el daño,

Hecho a nuestra gente, nuestra kultura,

Y a nuestro legado, tan kálido y entrañable.

No olvidemos tampoko,

Un descendiente del Rey Manuel I,

Ke también hizo oídos sordos,

A las súplicas de Yitsjak Abravanel, nuestro aliado.

Que este poema sirva de recordatorio,

Del dolor y sufrimiento ke soportamos,

Y ke tengamos la esperanza de un futuro más brillante,Donde podamos andar nuevamente kon orguyo y segurida

ENGLISH

Here we are again,

In this fateful land of Portugal,

Where centuries ago we walked with pride, 

But now our history has been tarnished and defiled 

Issac Abravanel, our wise philosopher, Statesman, and financier, plead with King Manuel I to revoke the expulsion decree of the Jews from this yoke. 

But his plea was ignored, and we were forced to leave, Our Homes, our synagogues, our culture, our beliefs, 

Now centuries later, King Duarte II reigns,

And yet on March 11, 2022, Our synagogue was raided with disdain.

The accusations were baseless, 

And yet the damage was done,

To the Jewish community of Oporto, 

And to our pride, once won.

We call upon King Duarte II to apologize,

And make amends for the harm, 

Done to our people, our culture, 

And to our legacy, once so warm

Let us not forget, a descendant of King Manuel I, who also turned a blind eye, to the pleas of Issac Abravanel, our alley Let this poem serve as a reminder, of the pain of suffering we endured,

And let us hope for a brighter future,

Where we can once again walk with pride, and be assured.

The Mazuzah (2020)

The Mezuzah—I touch with my dedos,

I kiss them up to HaShem

The mezuzah on my brother‘s door,

A symbol of our bond.

I know I’m safe

With HaShem’s grace above,

As I touch and kiss the mezuzah,

In reverence and love.

& as I leave this sacred space,

I reach out once again,

To touch & kiss the mezuzah,

And pray for peace to reign.

TALMUD

LADINO

Palavras del savios,

En el Talmud se alzan,

Enseñansas antikas brillan kon luz,

I saviduria tan pura.

En kada página topamos poder,

Kaminos ke konduzen a la verdad i la lucha,

Dende la justisia asta la vida,

Eterna i divina.

Ma no basta solo leyer,

También ay ke sangerar,

Estas palavras ke amamos,

También debemos akshuar i estar atentos,

I prátikar en nuestra esfera de vida.

Si kieres ser de veras savio,

I bibir una vida de verdad,

Entonses sigue esta guía antika,

I deja ke brille en todo lo ke azes.

Palavras del savios,

En el Talmud se alzan,

Enseñansas antikas brillan kon luz,

I la saviduria es un deleite puro.

————————————

ENGLISH

Poem: 

Words of the Wise,

In the Talmud they arise,

Ancient teachings shine so bright,

And wisdom so pure.

In every page we find Might,

Path that lead to truth and fight,

For justice to life,

Eternal and divine,

But it’s not enough to read, you also gotta bleed, These words that we hold so dear,

We must also act and heed,

And practice in our life’s Sphere,

If you wish to be truly wise,

And live a life that’s true,

Then follow this ancient guide,

And let it shine and all you do,

Words of the wise,

In the Talmud they arise,

Ancient teachings bright,

And wisdom’s is pure delight