To You, Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhatzeira

Today, the 14th of Shevat, is the hillula (anniversary of passing) of the Tzaddik Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhatzeira zy"a (may his merit protect us), the author of the piyut (liturgical poem) 'A'ufa Eshkona,' who was murdered by wicked men in the year 5672 (1912) near the city of Toulal, where his holy tziyun (gravesite) is located.

Our teacher, the Rav, Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a (may he live long and good days), is accustomed to singing the holy song 'A'ufa Eshkona' at every opportune moment. Likewise, in the year 5773 (2013) during his stay in Morocco, he prostrated himself (prayed) at his holy tziyun in the city of Toulal.

Before you is an awesome prayer composed by our teacher, the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a, to be recited at the holy tziyun of Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhatzeira in the city of Toulal, Morocco.

For the Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhatzeira

Author of A'ufa Eshkona

Master of the World, All-Powerful, from Whom no thought is withheld. By my prostrating here at the holy and awesome tziyun (gravesite) of Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhatzeira, who was unique in all generations—such a soul has not descended since the creation of the world, nor will it descend again. In his hand is the power to forgive all iniquities, all sins, and all transgressions from all reincarnations, for me and for all of the People of Israel. Therefore, I have come here and wandered this far, with terrible suffering of soul and body that cannot be described, in the name of all Israel, to you, Rabbi Yitzchak Abuhatzeira, that you may hasten the Geulah (Redemption). And forgive us for all our transgressions, [more numerous] than the sand of the seas and the many waves of the sea without number. But only you can forgive us for the infinite transgressions, sins, and iniquities that have multiplied above our heads. And now, in the merit that you will forgive me and all the People of Israel for whom I am a messenger—and for their sake I have come this far to prostrate upon your holy and awesome tziyun, for there is no limit to your spiritual reach and your greatness is beyond search—only you can forgive all my transgressions, iniquities, and sins, and those of all the People of Israel, which have multiplied without number. And in the merit that you will forgive all my sins, transgressions, and iniquities, and all the iniquities of the People of Israel, Mashiach ben David shall arrive today and bring us the complete Geulah (Redemption). He will gather all the dispersed of Israel to the Land of Israel, to their dwellings, their places, and their habitations. He will build for us the Third House, the Beis HaMikdash (Holy Temple) of fire, and he will rebuild all of Jerusalem with stones of sapphires and precious gems: "Odem, pitdah, and bareket; nofech, sappir, and yahalom; leshem, shevo, and achlamah; tarshish, shoham, and yashfeh" (Ruby, topaz, emerald; turquoise, sapphire, diamond; ligure, agate, amethyst; beryl, onyx, jasper).

Before you is the full piyut (liturgical poem) 'A'ufa Eshkona':

I would fly, I would dwell, and I would wander far; in the desert I would lodge, and perhaps I would find my Beloved.

The kiss of His love burns in my heart; from the day of His departure, my soul has been bitter within me.

My Friend has fled from me, He has gone and left me; which path did He travel, that I too may go?

I went out to seek my Beloved among friends; I was caught in a snare, the guards struck me.

I hoped for my Beloved, when will He come to me? He will clothe me in my jewelry and have mercy on me.

Bare Your arm to gather the scattered ones; reveal the end of Your salvation and raise Your banner.

Arise, my unique soul, and return in teshuvah (repentance); my sister, my bride, behold your Redeemer comes.

Desirable, precious, of many virtues; chosen even above fine gold, go out in dances.

I remembered for you the kindness of your youth; I will found your palace with sapphire stones.

The voice of my Beloved, behold He comes, leaping over the mountains; arise, my beloved, for the time of freedom has come.