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This poem by the great Sixteenth Century poet Israel Najara of Safed, paraphrases the vivid imagery of the Song of Songs to describe both the love of a man for a woman, and of God for His people.
The piyut has been adopted by the Bene Israel community of India who sing it with a signature tune at their wedding ceremonies, where it is sung by the groom to the bride as she approaches him under the Chuppah. It is similarly used among the Jews of Afghanistan, with a different melody.
It adds wonderful emotional drama to the wedding ceremony, as can be seen in the first video below.
This is of course not strictly speaking a "table song" (though it could conceivably be sung at the wedding breakfast or Sheva Berakhot). I just think it is too interesting and beautiful not to record somewhere, and for now at least, this is where I can put it!
Bene Israel (India) version
Sung by my cousin Noah Joseph, at his wedding to Nourit in Israel, 2019.
Afghan version
My dove, your splendid beauty resembles Orion and the PleiadesBecause of my love for you I will sing a song of maidensMost beautiful of maidens, most beautiful of maidensMy desire for you makes slumber wander far from my eyelids
Your lips are like roses, dripping with loving myrrhYour eyes are like doves, burning with blazing fireYour speech is sweeter to me, your speech is sweeter to meThan the songs of singers and musicians singing of might and strength
Rejoice for I will quickly build the city most praised in the worldThe sons of Edom and Seir I will break like potteryI will free your legs from chains, I will free your legs from chainsAnd I will arouse my rage against your enemies like a warrior
Your hands will be weak no more, fear not gazelleI will remember the rest of your flock, Israel who I have calledI will shepherd them on every mountain and coast,I will shepherd them on every mountain and coastI will return them from the land of their wandering and settle the ruined cities
Adapted from a translation by Abigail Denemark
Your lips are like roses, dripping with loving myrrhYour eyes are like doves, burning with blazing fireYour speech is sweeter to me, your speech is sweeter to meThan the songs of singers and musicians singing of might and strength
Rejoice for I will quickly build the city most praised in the worldThe sons of Edom and Seir I will break like potteryI will free your legs from chains, I will free your legs from chainsAnd I will arouse my rage against your enemies like a warrior
Your hands will be weak no more, fear not gazelleI will remember the rest of your flock, Israel who I have calledI will shepherd them on every mountain and coast,I will shepherd them on every mountain and coastI will return them from the land of their wandering and settle the ruined cities
Adapted from a translation by Abigail Denemark
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