MUSIC: Ya'ala

This Piyyut, authored by Rabbi Israel Najara, the great 16th century poet, is a love song describing the love between the dod (lover) and the ra’aya (wife). The ra’aya is referred to here as Ya’ala.

This Piyyut has received a number of different musical settings and is widely sung in various Mizrahi communities. The most common melody is that of Ezra Aharon, written in the 20th century. It is commonly sung on the occasion of the birth of a daughter or at a Bat Mitzvah celebration. In the Moroccan community, this Piyut is also included in the traditional bakashot recited on Shabbat when the Bo Torah portion is read. It is also sung on many other occasions due to its moving lyrics and captivating melody.