Abraham ibn Eza was one of the most important scholars in Spain during the twelfth century, and the author of many books on philosophy, biblical commentaries, astronomy, Hebrew grammar, and mathematics. He was also the first to realize the need to translate the theoretical works of Jewish scholars in Al-Andalus from Arabic to Hebrew. As a sage-teacher he wandered all over Spain, Italy, France, and England, where, according to certain researchers, he died. Also considered among the most famous Jewish poets, he penned verse that exemplified high Hebrew-Spanish culture in the Middle Ages. This volume of his work is a welcome addition to lovers of and newcomers to ibn Ezra's work.
PREFACEA NOTE ON TRANSLITERATIONABBREVIATIONSINTRODUCTIONBiography: Crisis and DecisionThe Vagabond LifePoetry in Transition: Realism and RealityIbn Ezra's AstrologyThe Uses of WisdomThe Soul's OdysseyGod Is AllIsrael: Lover and BelovedCourting IsraelTranscendence and FamiliarityIsrael's DiaryThe Playful SideFolk HeroSECULAR POETRYThe PatronMisfortuneOn His Torn GarmentThe FliesMy HonorThe Denizens of MorahSong of the NationsFor Joseph b. AmramTribute to Samuel Ibn Jāmi'In Honor of Barukh Ibn JauFor R. Menahem of Rome and His Son MosesTo His BelovedElegy on the Death of His Son IsaacLament on the Destruction of Andalusian and North African JewryA Sea VoyageIn a LifetimeSelections From Hay ben MeqisA Game of ChessSACRED POETRYGod:Life's ParadoxGod's ProvidenceGod's PresenceI Have But One RequestGod, My DesireOne FatherGod's IdentityNo One Shares His PowerHe Sustains the World with His CareIn God's HandsYou Ask for No RewardEre I Knew YouThe All Comes from HimHe Leaves His Mark on the StarsGod's ThoughtsGod's TorahThe Soul:The Soul's PassionChasing After Time's MistakesPut Away Time's DelicaciesThe Bearer of His WondersIn the Dark of My FollyA SummonsAdmonition to the SoulIn the Choicest Part of My BodyIsrael:Awaiting the RedeemerThe Whisper of a Falling LeafMy Anointed King Is DelayedMy Husband Has Left MeThe CaptiveThe Song of a Bird Frightens HerCan My Courage EndureMy Redeemer LivesGrace and Charm Are Your WeaponsI Named You My First BornRejoice, Virgin DaughterThe Visions of Ancient SeersIn the Fairest of LandsWhen My Enemies Slander MeThey Watch My Agony and LaughDialogue and Chorus:Zion and Its FoesThe Stray SheepPerfumed With MyrrhHis Secret LifeThe Spring of My CravingShe Lusted for Her BelovedRavished by a LionWhat Is There for Me among MortalsGLOSSARY OF ARABIC AND HEBREW TERMSBIBLIOGRAPHYINDEX
Leon J. Weinberger is the author of Anthology of Hebrew Poetry in Greece, Anatolia, and the Balkans; Early Synagogue Poets in the Balkans;Jewish Poets in Crete Jewish Prince in Moslem Spain: Selected Poems of Samuel ibn Nagrela; Rabbanite and Karaite Liturgical Poetry in Southeastern Europe; and Romaniote Penitential Poetry.
“Ibn Ezra is generally considered one of the most famous Jewish poets, his writing representing the Hebrew-Spanish culture in the Middle Ages as exemplified in Twilight of the Golden Age… Unlike many other areas of Jewish studies, Hebrew poetry in general and Hebrew medieval poetry in particular, are hardly known to non-Hebrew readers. The publication of the selected poems of such an important writer is therefore very welcome.” —Jewish Culture and History
“Weinberger offers the reader a rare opportunity to become intimately acquainted with… Abraham ibn Ezra, [who] also was known and admired in the non-Jewish world, and has been immortalized in Robert Browning’s ‘Rabbi Ben Ezra.’ Weinberger is to be commended for making his poetry available in English, and for authoring a most valuable introduction to ibn Ezra’s life and work.” —Menorah Review
