Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz: Works
Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz was a prolific writer. In his
times, his works were popular and earned him much respect and admiration,
although most of them are not widely known today. Several of his works remain in
manuscript; others have been lost. Several of his works are commentaries on
Tanach and the Liturgy. There are also discourses on topics in Kabbala.
Among his printed works:
- Lecha Dodi, a mystical hymn sung at the
inauguration of the Shabbat. It was composed according to kabbalistic teachings
regarding the ascent of the sefira of malchut (which represents
both the Shechina and the Jewish soul) on the Shabbat, and it therefore
expresses the yearning of the Shechina and the Jewish soul for the
Redemption.  | | " Rabbi Shlomo completed this work before his marriage and gave it to his wife as a wedding gift..." | | |
It was probably composed in Safed and was printed
shortly after its appearance in the Sefardi version of the prayer-book (Venice
5344 / 1584 CE). The hymn became so popular that it was incorporated into the
Shabbat liturgy of every community. It is for this work that Rabbi Shlomo is
particularly renowned. The author signed his name - "Shlomo HaLevi" - in the
acrostic formed by the first letter of the first eight stanzas of the hymn.
- Manot HaLevi on the Book of Esther. Rabbi Shlomo
completed this work before his marriage in 5289 (1529 CE) and gave it to his
wife as a wedding gift. It was published in Venice 5345 (1585 CE).
- Ayalet Ahavim on Song of Songs. The work was
completed in 5292 (1532 CE), published in Venice 5312 (1552 CE).
- Shoresh Yishai on the Book of Ruth. The work was
completed in 5312 (1552 CE), published in Venice 5321 (1561 CE).
- Berit HaLevi, a commentary on the Passover
Haggada from a kabbalistic perspective, published in Lemberg 5323 (1563 CE).
- Or Tzadikim - a book of his sermons.
Among those existing in manuscript are:
- Divrei Shlomo, on the section of Scripture known
as Writings.
- Naim Zemirot, on Psalms.
- Sukkat Shalom, Avotot Ahavah, on the Pentateuch.
- Pitzei Ohev, on Job.
- Apiryon Shlomo, Beit Hashem, Beit
Tefilla, interpretations of the prayers.
- Lechem Shlomo, on the guidelines for the
sanctification of meals, according to kabbala.
- Mittato shel Shlomo, on the mystical
significance of sexual union.
- Shomer Emunim, on fundamental principles
of the faith.
For more biographical information on R. Shlomo Alkabetz at this site,see also
Rabbi Shlomo Alkabetz
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