Poems for Each Torah Portion
Written by: Hakham Aaron ben Joseph
Performed by: Hazzan Rotem Cohen
The Karaite Sage Aaron ben Joseph lived in Byzantium in the 13th century. He is often referred to as Aharon ha-Rofe (Aaron the Doctor) or Aaron the Elder to distinguish him from Hakham Aaron ben Elijah, a later Karaite sage who also lived in Byzantium.
H’ Aaron ben Joseph was very well-versed in Karaite and Rabbanite theology and he incorporated elements from both communities into his poetry. He also wrote much of the non-biblical liturgy that is still used by Karaites today. For example, he wrote poems for each Torah portion. The poem (piyyut) that is specific to a Torah portion (“parasha”) is called a Piyyut Parasha. These poems are recited by a member of the congregation. The Karaite Jews of America is working with several people to produce translations and annotations of these poems. In particular, we would like to recognize the work of Hazzan Eli Shemuel, Hazzan Rotem Cohen and Dr. Gabriel Wasserman.
Below you can find the poetry, recordings, and working translations of each Piyyut Parasha. We expect that it will take a full year to bring to the public a final product with annotations and explanations of the poetry. In the interim, we hope that this site serves as a resource for you.
Genesis/Bereshit
Bereshit: Piyyut Parasha
Noah: Piyyut Parasha
Lekh Lekha: Piyyut Parasha
Vayyera: Piyyut Parasha
Hayyei Sarah: Piyyut Parasha
Toldot : Piyyut Parasha
Vayyetze: Piyyut Parasha
Vayishlach: Piyyut Parasha
Vayeshev: Piyyut Parasha
Mikketz: Piyyut Parasha
Vayigash: Piyyut Parasha
Vaychi: Piyyut Parasha
Exodus/Shemot
Shemot: Piyyut Parasha
Va’era: Piyyut Parasha
Bo: Piyyut Parasha
Beshallah: Piyyut Parasha
Yitro: Piyyut Parasha
Mishpatim: Piyyut Parasha
Terumah: Piyyut Parasha
Tetzavve: Piyyut Parasha
Ki Tissa: Piyyut Parasha
Vayakhel: Piyyut Parasha
Pikudei: Piyyut Parasha
Leviticus/Vayikra
Vayikra: Piyyut Parasha
Tsav: Piyyut Parasha
Shemini: Piyyut Parasha
Tazria: Piyyut Parasha
Metzora: Piyyut Parasha
Ahare Mot: Piyyut Parasha
Kedoshim: Piyyut Parasha
Emor: Piyyut Parasha
Behar Sinai: Piyyut Parasha (with Explanations)
Behukkotai: Piyyut Parasha
Numbers/Bemidbar Sinai
Bemidbar Sinai: Piyyut Parasha
Naso: Piyyut Parasha
Beha’alotekha: Piyyut Parasha
Shelah Lekha: Piyyut Parasha
Korah: Piyyut Parasha
Hukat: Piyyut Parasha
Balak: Piyyut Parasha
Pinhas: Piyyut Parasha
Matot: Piyyut Parasha
Masei: Piyyut Parasha
Deuteronomy/Devarim
Devarim: Piyyut Parasha
Va’ethanan: Piyyut Parasha
Eqev: Piyyut Parasha (with analysis)
Re’e: Piyyut Parasha
Shoftim: Piyyut Parasha
Ki Tetzei: Piyyut Parasha
Ki Tavo: Piyyut Parasha
Nitzavim
Vayyelekh 1
Vayyelekh 2
Ha’azinu: Piyyut Parasha
Vezot Haberacha: Piyyut Parasha (with commentary)