Literary text: T-S NS 299.150

Literary text T-S NS 299.150

Metadata

Shelfmark
T-S NS 299.150
Primary Language
Hebrew

What's in the PGP

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  • 1 Translation

Description

These three blessings, all preserved in the Cairo Geniza, were likely recited in Rabbanite synagogues in Fustāt (Old Cairo) or its surroundings. The first is a blessing recited prior to the recitation of the second chapter of m. Shabbat (which begins “With what may one kindle?”) on Sabbath eve. The practice of reciting this chapter in synagogue may have anti-Karaite roots, as Rabbanites sought to validate their custom of kindling lights that would burn on the Sabbath, whereas Karaites rejected the use of any fire on the Sabbath. The second blessing was to be said for readings from the Writings (Ketuvim) on the Sabbath, and the third for Psalms. [these prayers are also preserved in T-S Or.1080 3.52 and T-S NS 155.1] (Information from Posen Library)

Additional metadata

Provenance
Geniza
Collection
Cambridge University Library, Taylor-Schechter
Input date
In PGP since 2026
Image
Transcription
Translation

T-S NS 299.150 1v

°
1v
Stefan C. Reif, Jews, Bible and Prayer: Essays on Jewish Biblical Exegesis and Liturgical Notions (De Gruyter, 2017).

verso, second half of page

You are praised, Lord, our God, universal king, for having chosen the scholars and their students, given them the Torah at Mount Sinai by the hands of Moses our teacher, and instructed them to study Torah, Mishnah, Talmud and Halakhah, in order to be granted life in both worlds. And for having chosen Moses our teacher above all the prophets and spoken to him face to face as the verse has it: “Mouth to mouth I would speak with him, etc.” (Numbers 12:8), and then later having chosen Joshua his student and the seventy elders and the scholars and their students and having instructed them about sabbath observances and lighting the sabbath lamp: With what may one kindle, etc.

You are praised, Lord, our God, universal king, for having chosen the books of the hagiographa. You are the source of all goodness. Teach us your laws. You are praised, Lord, teach us your laws.

You are praised, Lord, our God, universal king, for having chosen David as the divine servant, and having chosen his psalms and sacred hymns in order to praise, laud and glorify God’s many outstanding acts on all occasions. You are praised, Lord, as the One who, as the comforter of Zion and the rebuilder of Jerusalem, will bring to his people Israel a speedy, complete and flourishing salvation.

T-S NS 299.150 1r

1r
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    • T-S NS 299.150: Provided by Cambridge University Library. Zooming image © Cambridge University Library, All rights reserved. This image may be used in accord with fair use and fair dealing provisions, including teaching and research. If you wish to reproduce it within publications or on the public web, please contact genizah@lib.cam.ac.uk.
    Cambridge University Library, Taylor-Schechter, T-S NS 299.150. Available online through the Princeton Geniza Project at https://geniza.princeton.edu/documents/42193/ (accessed August 25, 2026).