Yedid Nefesh - ידיד נפש

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Published Feb 22, 2026

The Soul's Cry to the Divine
Few Jewish poems carry the raw spiritual weight of Yedid Nefesh. Written in the 16th century by Rabbi Elazar Azikri, this ancient piyut has been sung for centuries at the threshold of Shabbat — a soul crying out to its Creator with love, longing, and total surrender.

What is Yedid Nefesh?
Yedid Nefesh, meaning "Beloved of the Soul," is a liturgical poem traditionally recited before Mincha on Shabbat eve in Sephardic communities, and sung after Mincha in many Ashkenazic communities before Kabbalat Shabbat. It is also widely sung during the Third Meal of Shabbat across Jewish communities worldwide.

The poem is an intimate dialogue between the human soul and the Divine — expressing a longing so deep it is described as spiritual sickness, and a love sweeter than honeycomb and every taste.

Lyrics Translation (English):

Beloved of the soul, compassionate Father,
Draw Your servant toward Your will.
Your servant will run like a deer,
Bowing before Your splendor.

Your friendship is sweeter to him
Than honeycomb and every taste.
Glorious, beautiful, Light of the world,
My soul is lovesick for You.

Please God, heal her now
By showing her the pleasantness of Your radiance.
Then she will be strengthened and healed,
And will become Your eternal maidservant.