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Redemption in the Hymm of Glory

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Hidden within a beloved Sabbath morning hymn lies a profound yearning for messianic redemption. The Hymn of Glory (An'im Zemirot), composed during the tumultuous Crusades period (1096-1291 CE) by Rabbi Judah the Pious or his German pietist circle, reveals itself as far more than a philosophical meditation - it stands as a sophisticated theological response to Jewish suffering and hope. Through close reading of the Hebrew liturgical text, examination of biblical allusions, and contextual analysis within rabbinic sources, particularly the Pesikta Rabbati, this research uncovers extensive messianic imagery previously overlooked in traditional interpretations. The hymn's intricate references to both Messiah ben David and Messiah ben Joseph draw deeply from midrashic traditions, connecting contemporary persecution with ancient promises of redemption. Careful analysis resolves several mistranslated passages and illuminates how the hymn's anthropomorphic descriptions of the Divine specifically evoke messianic imagery of liberation from oppression, with particular focus on Edom as a symbol of Israel's adversaries. The hymn's lasting resonance in Jewish liturgy stems from its masterful balance of immediate comfort during persecution with the traditional rabbinic emphasis on human agency in hastening redemption through spiritual growth and repentance.

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    Published 1984

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  • Publication Credits

    M. Levine