Isaac Ben Meïr Of Narbonne

French liturgical poet of the first half of the twelfth century. He is mentioned as a liturgical poet by Joseph Ḳara in his commentary to Job. He was probably the author of the following five poems: "Yomam 'Enenu," pizmon, in which the poet bewails the condition of the Jews in his time, and expresses a longing for the "holy places"; "Yosheb Ḳedem Ebḥarenu," a pizmon in nine verses; "Omnam 'Awinu u-Pasha'nu," a prayer in twelve verses, with a refrain; "Ye'teru Ḥaberim," a prayer in nine verses; "Tafḳidam Mebaḳḳeshim," a prayer for the Festival of Gedaliah. It is not certain, however, that Isaac wrote the third and fifth. All these poems are distinguished by vivid coloring and facility of expression.

Bibliography:

  * Monatsschrift, v. 472;
  * Kerem Ḥemed, v. 67;
  * Zunz, S. P. p. 199;
  * idem, Literaturgesch. p. 254;
  * Gross, Gallia Judaica, p. 412.



S. S. A. Pe.