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Poems for Each Torah Portion
Written by: Hakham Aaron ben Joseph
Performed by: Hazzan Rotem Cohen

The Karaite Sage Aaron ben Joseph lived in Byzantium in the 13th century. He is often referred to as Aharon ha-Rofe (Aaron the Doctor) or Aaron the Elder to distinguish him from Hakham Aaron ben Elijah, a later Karaite sage who also lived in Byzantium.

H' Aaron ben Joseph was very well-versed in Karaite and Rabbanite theology and he incorporated elements from both communities into his poetry. He also wrote much of the non-biblical liturgy that is still used by Karaites today. For example, he wrote poems for each Torah portion. The poem (piyyut) that is specific to a Torah portion ("parasha") is called a Piyyut Parasha. These poems are recited by a member of the congregation. The Karaite Jews of America is working with several people to produce translations and annotations of these poems. In particular, we would like to recognize the work of Hazzan Eli Shemuel, Hazzan Rotem Cohen and Dr. Gabriel Wasserman.

Below you can find the poetry, recordings, and working translations of each Piyyut Parasha. We expect that it will take a full year to bring to the public a final product with annotations and explanations of the poetry. In the interim, we hope that this site serves as a resource for you.

Genesis/Bereshit

Bereshit: Piyyut Parasha

Noah: Piyyut Parasha

Lekh Lekha: Piyyut Parasha

Vayyera: Piyyut Parasha

Hayyei Sarah: Piyyut Parasha

Toldot : Piyyut Parasha

Vayyetze: Piyyut Parasha

Vayishlach: Piyyut Parasha

Vayeshev: Piyyut Parasha

Mikketz: Piyyut Parasha

Vayigash: Piyyut Parasha

Vaychi: Piyyut Parasha

Exodus/Shemot

Shemot: Piyyut Parasha

Va'era: Piyyut Parasha

Bo: Piyyut Parasha

Beshallah: Piyyut Parasha

Yitro: Piyyut Parasha

Mishpatim: Piyyut Parasha

Terumah: Piyyut Parasha

Tetzavve: Piyyut Parasha

Ki Tissa: Piyyut Parasha

Vayakhel: Piyyut Parasha

Pikudei: Piyyut Parasha

Leviticus/Vayikra

Vayikra: Piyyut Parasha

Tsav: Piyyut Parasha

Shemini: Piyyut Parasha

Tazria: Piyyut Parasha

Metzora: Piyyut Parasha

Ahare Mot: Piyyut Parasha

Kedoshim: Piyyut Parasha

Emor: Piyyut Parasha

Behar Sinai: Piyyut Parasha (with Explanations)

Behukkotai: Piyyut Parasha

Numbers/Bemidbar Sinai

Bemidbar Sinai: Piyyut Parasha

Naso: Piyyut Parasha

Beha'alotekha: Piyyut Parasha

Shelah Lekha: Piyyut Parasha

Korah: Piyyut Parasha

Hukat: Piyyut Parasha

Balak: Piyyut Parasha



Pinhas: Piyyut Parasha


Matot: Piyyut Parasha

Masei: Piyyut Parasha

Deuteronomy/Devarim

Devarim: Piyyut Parasha

Va'ethanan: Piyyut Parasha

Eqev: Piyyut Parasha (with analysis)

Re'e: Piyyut Parasha

Shoftim: Piyyut Parasha

Ki Tetzei: Piyyut Parasha 

Ki Tavo: Piyyut Parasha

​Nitzavim

Vayyelekh 1
Vayyelekh 2

Ha'azinu: Piyyut Parasha

Vezot Haberacha: Piyyut Parasha (with commentary)
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