In keeping with the Elul theme, I thought now would be the perfect time to introduce you to a very special tune. Yedid Nefesh is a piyut that was composed by the famed Kabbalist, R’ Elazar ben Moshe Azkari. He lived and taught in Tzfas during its zenith in the 16th century, alongside the holy Arizal, R’ Yosef Caro and others. (His famous work, the Sefer Chareidim, was mentioned last week in our “Bilvavi” post.) The deeply moving poem sheds some light on the author’s profound spirituality and closeness to Hashem. The tune that we are highlighting today was composed by Cantor David Werdyger and performed by his son Mordechai (Ben David) on the former’s 1985 record Esso Einai El Hahorim. This beautiful song takes us through the immense love that we feel towards Hashem with its unique melody and is on my list of zemiros favorites.

When you love someone, there is nothing that you won’t do for them. Seemingly insignificant tasks are no longer tedious but are held in the utmost import and are done with zing and flourish. Think of all the things that we do for our loved ones, spouses, children, etc. What we do for others shows the love we have for them. This is the way we must act towards Hashem, because He is our Loved One – our most Beloved. He is our Yedid Nefesh and, therefore, deserves no less than our finest, 5-star treatment. In return, albeit disproportionately so, Hashem reciprocates and gives to us with infinite graciousness. This is one of the most prominent lessons learned from Elul – Ani L’dodi V’dodi Li – and it is for this reason that I felt compelled to showcase today’s tune.

But there is another reason as well. You see, many years ago, I met a man who has shown me what it means to have true Ahavas Hashem. I watch in awe as he performs each mitzvah with love and careful devotion. The attention paid to its intricate laws and various stringencies reveal a deeply rooted loyalty to his Creator. Each minyan that he attends – no matter the circumstance, no matter the weather, no matter the pain – exhibits his pride in being an Eved Hashem. And the learning! – Oh, the amount of Talmudic toil that this man undertakes is mind-boggling. With several chavrausah’s a day, both local and abroad, he not only elevates himself but ensures the same spiritual lift for each of his study partners as well. And once he is done with one volume, he quickly moves on to the next, never letting his past accomplishments get in the way of his next undertaking.

And then there’s his love for Shabbos. His personal journey did not enable him to experience Shabbos for the first 24 years of his life. But once he had, time has not diminished that initial fervor with which he honors Shabbos. The preparations for Shabbos are made with a genuine anticipation for the upcoming day of rest – there is a palpable buzz felt in the air of his home. And when Shabbos finally does arrive, all the worries of the week just melt away, as if they never existed. He recites Kiddush with intent and concentration as he declares Hashem as Master of the World, and proudly becomes a unified partner in its weekly creation. The regal way in which he stands beside his Eishes Chayil in the warm candlelight, is a portrait that will always represent the beauty of Shabbos in my mind’s eye.

I have learned so much from this man, so little of which I have actually covered in the lines above. But among the countless lessons that I have gained from him over the years, it was at his Shabbos table that I had heard this song for the first time. It is sung with the same emotion and gusto every Shabbos afternoon, and it didn’t take long for me to realize that this very song may be the secret behind his Ahavas Hashem. His approach to every single aspect of his life is with a firm focus on his Yedid Nefesh, the Ribono Shel Olam. I think we can all gain an important and valuable lesson that can be immediately applied to our daily lives, especially during this most providential period of the year.

And so, it is with love and admiration that I write these words and dedicate this song in his honor.
To my dearest father-in-law עמו”ש; Tatty, an Oheiv Hashem.

Wishing everyone a lovely Shabbos!