🇮🇹 Italy • the Open Siddur Project ✍ פְּרוֺיֶקְט הַסִּדּוּר הַפָּתוּחַ

תְשׁוּאוֹת מִקְהִלַת הָעִבְרִים בְּרוֹמָא | Universitatis Hebreorum urbis Gratiarum actio | Plaudit for Pope Benedict ⅩⅣ, by the Jewish Community of Rome (1751)

Unknown — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 20:41:21 +0000

In the mid-18th century, the Jewish community in Rome was surviving, barely, impoverished in its appointed ghetto and suffering under the gaze and ignominies imposed by Christendom. So, we can imagine just how severe the community was impacted after the Tiber River overflowed its banks and flooded the ghetto in 1751. Pope Benedict ⅩⅣ (Prospero Lorenzo Lambertini) in his rule over the Jews of Italy, and in his regard for Jews in other European lands, showed some basic concern for Jewish lives lacked by other leaders (if only perhaps in the hope that at least some of these Jews or their children might choose at some point to convert to Christianity). The community in turn composed this plaudit acclaiming the leadership of Benedict ⅩⅣ in his role as governor of the Papal States. The plaudit served as an introduction to a longer Ode (also in Latin and Hebrew) whose contents are unfortunately not available to us and whose whereabouts are unknown following the manuscript’s auction in 2017.

Source (Latin)	Translation of the Latin (English)	Source (Hebrew)	Translation of the Hebrew (English)
Universitatis Hebreorum urbis Gratiarum actio	Universal Gratitude of the Hebrew Community	מִקְהִלַת הָעִבְרִים אֲשֶׁר בְּרוֹמָא תְשׁוּאוֹת חֵן חֵן (זכריה ד:ז)	From the Hebrew Community in Rome, “shouts of beautiful! beautiful!” (Zechariah 4:7)
Ad SUMMU. Pontificem Optimum maximum feliciter Regnantem Benedictum ⅩⅣ	To his highness, the greatest and most prosperous reign of the Pope, Benedict ⅩⅣ,	לְרוֹמְמוּת הָאַפִּיפְיוֹר גָדוֹל וָטוֹב בִּמְאֹד מְאֹד הַמּוֹלֵךְ בְּשַׁלְוָה עַל כִּסֵא מַלְכוּתוֹ בָּרוּךְ אַרְבָּעָה עַשָׂר	to his Highness, the exceedingly great and benevolent Pope, who reigns peacefully on the throne of his kingdom, Benedict ⅩⅣ
ob sibi prestitum pregande sufsidius in Tyberis alluvione	on account of the support provided by him [during] the flood of the [river] Tiber,	עַל כִּי הִפְלִיא חַסְדוֹ עִמָהּ בִּצְדָקָה רַב לְהוֹשִׂיעַ (ישעיה סג:א) בִּזְמַן שֶׁנְּהַר טֵיבֵירי שָׁטָף וְעָבָר עַל־כָּל־גְּדוֹתָיו (כמו ישעיה ח:ז-ח)	on account of his marvelous kindness with her people, “mighty to save” (Isaiah 63:1) at the time the River Tiber swept through as a flood and flowed over all its beds (cf. Isaiah 8:7-8),
a Kalendis Febrary usque ad septimam invadente diem Anno ⅯⅮⅭⅭⅬⅠ	from the first to the seventh day of February of the year 1751.	מִתְּחִלַת פֵיבְרָארוֹ עַד שִׁבְעָה בּוֹ שְׁנַת אׄתׄשׄנׄאׄ	from the first of February until the seventh, [1751].

This plaudit of thanksgiving in Latin and Hebrew was brought to our attention by Fred McDowell via his twitter feed (@onthemainline). The prayer is contained in a pamphlet sold at auction in 2017, and now in presumably private hands. The Kedem auction catalogue described the manuscript as follows,

Ornamented Manuscript – Pamphlet in Honor of Pope Benedict XIV, Written in Gratitude by the Jewish Community of Rome – Rome, 1751

Illustrated and ornamented manuscript, a pamphlet written in honor of Pope Benedict XIV, as a mark of gratitude from the Jews of Rome, in recognition of his assistance to those who were affected by the flooding of the Tiber River. [Rome], 1751.

Calligraphic writing in Hebrew, Latin and Italian. Pages framed in gold, with floral ornamentations.

Most pages are divided into two columns – one with the Hebrew text and the other with Latin translation.

On the first page is a general declaration: “From the Hebrew Rome community, our cheers for the exalted Pope… who peacefully rules on his royal throne, blessed be the fourteenth who performed wonderful kindness and great charity offering assistance at the time of the flooding of the Tiber River from the beginning of February until the seventh, in 1751.”

This is followed by a long, more detailed text, in Hebrew and Latin, with praises for the Pope in flowery language and thanks for his assistance, describing the dire circumstances of the Jews of Rome and the Pope’s generosity in providing for the Jews of the vicinity.

A similar version of praise and gratitude dedicated to Cardinal Silvio Valenti Gonzaga appears further in the pamphlet. These pages are followed by words of thanks and appreciation in Italian.

For hundreds of years (until the Italian unification in 1870), the Pope served not only as head of the Catholic Church, but also as governor of the Papal States. Therefore, Benedict XIV (who is blessed in the Hebrew text of this pamphlet) was the direct ruler of the Jewish community of Rome. In those times, the Jews of Rome were restricted to a ghetto located on the banks of the Tiber River, and were subject to constant flooding by the river.

Pamphlet, opens from left to right. [12] leaves (22 written pages). Fair condition. Dark stains. Traces of adhesive tape. Professionally restored tears and damages, with paper replacements to margins. The gold frames and ornamentation were reinforced and restored with added color.

Thanks to Ohad Stolarz for reviewing my Hebrew transcription and for his corrections. Please feel free to improve upon my translation by leaving a comment or by contacting us. –Aharon Varady

Source(s)

Thanksgiving prayer for Pope Benedict XIV (Jewish Community of Rome, 1751)

הוד מלכות | Preghiera e Benedizione al Sovrano Napoleone Ⅰ | Prayer and Blessing for Napoleon Ⅰ on his birthday, in the Synagogue of the Jews of Livorno (15 August 1808)

Jacob Nunes-Vais — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 22:05:01 +0000

Source (Hebrew)	Translation (Italian)	Translation of the Italian (English)
יְיָ בְּעָזְּךָ יִשְׂמַח־מֶלֶךְ וּבִישׁוּעָתְךָ מַה־יָּגֶל מְאֹד׃ (תהלים כא:ב)	Domine in fortitudine tua lætabitur rex: er in salute tua quam exultitat vehementer. (Psalms 21:2)	O Lord, in your strength the king will rejoice; and in your salvation he rejoices greatly. (Psalms 21:2)
קול אומרים הודו	Confitemini Domino quoniam bonus Psalm 136	Give glory to the Lord, for he is good. Psalms 136
הוֹדוּ לַיהֹוָה כִּי־טוֹב כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Lodate il Signore ch’egli è buono, sua misericordia è eterna.	Praise the Lord that he is good, his mercy is eternal.
הוֹדוּ לֵאלֹהֵי הָאֱלֹהִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ הוֹדוּ לַאֲדֹנֵי הָאֲדֹנִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Celebrate il Dio degli Angioli, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Encomiate il Signore dei Signori, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	Celebrate the God of Angels, that his mercy is eternal. Praise the Lord of Lords, that his mercy is eternal.
לְעֹשֵׂה נִפְלָאוֹת גְּדֹלוֹת לְבַדּוֹ כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ לְעֹשֵׂה הַשָּׁמַיִם בִּתְבוּנָה כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quello che fa solo lui grandi meraviglie, che la sua mise-ricordia è eterna. Quello che fece i cieli con intelligenza, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	The one who alone does great wonders, that his mercy is eternal. The one who made the heavens with intelligence, that his mercy is eternal.
לְרֹקַע הָאָרֶץ עַל־הַמָּיִם כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ לְעֹשֵׂה אוֹרִים גְּדֹלִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quel che distese la terra sopra l’acqua, che la sua ricordia è eterna. Quel che formò i luminari grandi, che la sua misesicordia è eterna.	He who stretched out the earth over water, that his remembrance is eternal. He who formed the great luminaries, that his mercy is eternal.
אֶת־הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ לְמֶמְשֶׁלֶת בַּיּוֹם כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ אֶת־הַיָּרֵחַ וְכוֹכָבִים לְמֶמְשְׁלוֹת בַּלָּיְלָה כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Il sole preside del giorno, cha la sua misericordia è eterna. La Luna e le Stelle della notte preside, che sua misericordia è eterna.	The Sun presides over the day, that his mercy is eternal. The Moon and the Stars of the night, his mercy is eternal.
לְמַכֵּה מִצְרַיִם בִּבְכוֹרֵיהֶם כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ וַיּוֹצֵא יִשְׂרָאֵל מִתּוֹכָם כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ בְּיָד חֲזָקָה וּבִזְרוֹעַ נְטוּיָה כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quel che percosse i primogeniti d’Egitto, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Quel che trasse Israel dal loro mezzo, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Con mano forte e con disteso braccio, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	He who smote the firstborn of Egypt, his mercy is eternal. That which drew Israel out of their midst, that his mercy is eternal. With a strong hand and with an outstretched arm, that his mercy is eternal.
לְגֹזֵר יַם־סוּף לִגְזָרִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ וְהֶעֱבִיר יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּתוֹכוֹ כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ וְנִעֵר פַּרְעֹה וְחֵילוֹ בְיַם־סוּף כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quel che divise in più parti il mar rosso, che la sua misericordia è eterna. E quel che per entro fece varcarvi Israel, che la sua misericordia è eterna. E Faraone, e l’esercito suo in quell’onde precipitò, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	That which divided the Red Sea into several parts, that his mercy is eternal. And he that made Israel to pass through, that his mercy is eternal. And Pharaoh and his army fell into the waves, that his mercy is eternal.
לְמוֹלִיךְ עַמּוֹ בַּמִּדְבָּר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ לְמַכֵּה מְלָכִים גְּדֹלִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ וַיַּהֲרֹג מְלָכִים אַדִּירִים כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quel che condusse il popolo suo nel Deserto, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Quel che percosse Re grandi, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Ed uccise Re possenti, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	Who led his people into the desert, that his mercy is eternal. Who smote great kings, that his mercy is eternal. And he slew mighty kings, that his mercy is eternal.
לְסִיחוֹן מֶלֶךְ הָאֱמֹרִי כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ וּלְעוֹג מֶלֶךְ הַבָּשָׁן כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	A Sihon Re degli Emorei, che la sua misericordia è eterna. E a Hog Re di Basan, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	To Siḥon King of the Emori, that his mercy is eternal. And to Og King of Bashan, that his mercy is eternal.
וְנָתַן אַרְצָם לְנַחֲלָה כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ נַחֲלָה לְיִשְׂרָאֵל עַבְדּוֹ כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	E concesse le loro terre in retaggio, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Retaggio a Israel suo popolo, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	And he gave their lands as a heritage, that his mercy is eternal. A legacy to Israel his people, that his mercy is eternal.
שֶׁבְּשִׁפְלֵנוּ זָכַר לָנוּ כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ וַיִּפְרְקֵנוּ מִצָּרֵינוּ כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quel che nel nostro avvilimento si rammentò di noi, che la sua misericordia è eterna. E dai nostri nemici ci liberò, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	Who in our despondency remembered us, that his mercy is eternal. And from our enemies he delivered us, that his mercy is eternal.
נֹתֵן לֶחֶם לְכׇל־בָּשָׂר כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃ הוֹדוּ לְאֵל הַשָּׁמָיִם כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ׃	Quel che gli alimenti concede ad ogni creatura, che la sua misericordia è eterna. Lodate al Dio dei cieli, che la sua misericordia è eterna.	What food he grants to every creature, that his mercy is eternal. Praise the God of heaven, that his mercy is eternal.
קול תפלה	Della Preghiera.	Prayer.
אַתָּה הָאֵל עֹשֵֹה פֶלֶא, אֲשֶׁר בָּרָאתָ אֶת מַעֲשֶׂיךָ הַנִּפְלָאִים, עֵת אֲשֶׁר נָפַחְתָ בְאַפָּיו נִשְׂמַת רוּחַ חַיִּים, וְרוּחַ חָכְמָה וּבִינָה עָלָיו הוֹפַעְתָּ, וּמֵאוֹצָר הַדַּעַת בּוֹ הִשְׁפַּעְתָּ, רַבִּים חִקְּרֵי לֵב אֲשֶׂר אִתּוֹ, לְהָבִין אַחֲרִית דָבָר מֵרֵאשִׁיתוֹ׃	Tu, o Dio, operatore di prodigj, che formasti l’Uomo, scelta delle Creature, quanto si moltiplicarono le opere tue stupende, nel momento che soffiasti nelle sue narici l’anima vitale, l’illuminasti con lo spirito di scienza, ed intelligenza, ed influisti in esso dal tesoro del sapere moltiplici percezioni mentali, onde trarre potesse dagli antecedenti le giuste conseguenze.	You, O God, operator of wonders, who formed Man, the choice of Creatures, how much your stupendous works multiplied, at the moment that you blew into his nostrils the vital soul, illuminated him with the spirit of science, and intelligence, and influenced in him from the treasure of knowledge multiple mental perceptions, so that he could draw from the antecedents the right consequences.
מָה מְאֹד עָֽמְקוּ מַחְשְׁבוֹתֶיךָ יְיָ צְבָאוֹת, לָתֵת לְמוֹפֵת וּלְאוֹת, לְאִישׁ אֲשֶׁר אֵלֶּה לוֹ וַתְּהִי הַמִשְׂרָה עַל שִׁכְמוֹ, וַאֲשֶׁר נִתַּן כֶּתֶר מַלְכוּת בְּראֹשׁוֹ חָכְמָה וָדַעַת גָדוֹל יֶתֶר מְאוֹד, בְּלֵב מְלָכִים אֵין חֵקֶר הָבִין לִשְׁמוֹעַ מִשְׁפָּט׃ כְּרוֹעֶה עֶדְרוֹ יִרְעֶה הָעָם אֲשֶׁר הוּא יוֹשֵׁב בְקִרְבּוֹ, לִהְיוֹת עֵינָיו פְקוּחוֹת עַל כׇּל דַּרְכֵי בְנֵי אָדָם, אֲשֶׁר בְּכׇל מְקוֹמוֹת מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ, לְהֲדְרִיכָם בְּדֶרֶךְ יְשָׁרָה׃ מֶלֶךְ בְּמִשְׁפָּט יַעֲמִיד אָרֶץ וְהוּכָן בַּחֶסֶד כִּסְאוֹ עַל גִּפֵי מְרוֹמֵי קָרֶת לִתְהִלָה לְשֵׁם וּלְתִפְאָרֶת׃	Quanto, e poi quanto sono profondi i tuoi pensieri, o Signore degli Eserciti, nel far sorgere per maraviglia segnalata un Ente dotato di prerogative cotanto singolari che veste la Dignità Suprema, cinta la testa col regale Diadema, che riunisce nell’elevatissimo suo Ingegno le più sublimi peregrine cognizioni, instancabile il suo magnanimo cuore nell’ ascoltare giustizia, che qual vigile pastore guida il popolo avventuroso in mezzo a cui vive, penetrando con le perspicaci sue vedute sopra la condotta di tutti gl’individui viventi ne’suoi vasti Dominj per incamminarli per il retto sentiero; Re che sostiene i suoi Stati sopra i cardini della Giustizia, avendo fondato il suo Soglio sopra la Clemenza, per lode, gloria, ed ornamento.	How much, and then how deep are your thoughts, O Lord of Hosts, in bringing forth by marked wonder an Entity endowed with such singular prerogatives who wears the Supreme Dignity, girds his head with the regal Diadem, who gathers in his most elevated Intelligence the most sublime peregrine knowledge, untiring his magnanimous heart in listening to justice, that like a vigilant shepherd guides the adventurous people in the midst of which he lives, penetrating with his perspicacious views over the conduct of all the individuals living in his vast Dominions to set them on the right path; King who sustains his States on the hinges of Justice, having founded his Throne on Clemency, for praise, glory, and ornament.
זֶה חֶלֶק אָדָם הַמַעֲלָה רֹאשׁ הַמֶּמְשָׁלָה הָרִאשוֹנָה, אֲדוֹנֵינוּ הַקֵּיסָר הַאַדִּיר, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַנִשְֹגָב וְהַמְּפוֹאָר;	Quest’ è il retaggio del Genio eccelso , del Capo della prima Potenza , dell’ invitto, alto, e glorificato IMPERATORE, e RE Nostro Augustissimo Sovrano.	This is the heritage of the sublime Genius, of the Head of the first Power, of the unconquered, high, and glorified Emperor, and King, our most August Sovereign.
מִי יוּכַל לְסַפֵר מַעֲשָׂיו, גְדוֹלִים חִקְּרֵי לֵב לִבּוֹ אַמִּיץ כְּלֵב אַרְיֵה, יִפְרוֹשׂ כַּנְפֵי שַּׂרְעַפָיו בְּחָכְמוֹת רָמוֹת וְנֶעְלָמוֹת, כְּנֶשֶׁר יָעִיר קִנוֹ לֹא יִיעַף וְלֹא יִיגָע לְשׁוטֵט אָנֶה וָאָֽנָה, יָשִׂישׂ כְּגִבּוֹר לָרוּץ אֹרַח לַצַּדִיק מֵישָׁרִים וּמַפְלִיא לַעֲשׂוֹת, וְאַף כִּי סַבּוּהוּ גַם סְבָבוּהוּ חֲבִילוֹת חֲבִילוֹת עֶשְׂתוֹנוֹת שׂוֹנוֹת חָֽדְלוּ מִלִמְנוֹת, מִמְכוֹן שִׁבְתּוֹ הִשְׂגִּיחַ וַיִפֶן אֵלֵינוּ בְרַחֲמִים, פָּנָה אֶל הָאֵזוֹב אֲשֶׁר בַקִּיר שֶׂה פְזוּרָה יִשְׂרָאֵל, אֲשֶׁר מִימֵי קֶדֶם קַדְמָתָהּ עַמִּים רַבִּים רָחֲקוּ מִמֶנוּ, וְהֵן הַיוֹם הַדָּבָר יָצָא מִפִּי הַמֶּלֶךְ, וַיֹאמֶר לוֹ עַבְדִי אַתָּה חֲזַק וֶאֶמָץ, תַטֶּה לִבְּךָ לַתְּבוּנָה, מַעֲשֵׂי יָדֶיךָ אַל תֶרֶף, הַיוֹ תִהְיֶה לְבֶן חַיִל, וְעָשִׂיתָ לְךָ שֵׁם כְּשֵׁם הַגְּדוֹלִים אֲשֶׁר בַּאָרֶץ׃	Chi potrà enumerare le sue gesta, i profondi concetti dell’ animo suo, l’ invincibile fortezza del suo cuore? egli estende le ale del veloce suo discernimento nelle scienze più elevate, ed astruse, rapido ed indefesso ne’ suoi movimenti per immense distanze qual Aquila ch’eccita al volo il suo nido, gioisce, come il valoroso che compie la sua carriera, nel percorrere il cammino della rettitudine, ed opera portenti; e sebbene sia Egli attorniato da immense, ed innumerabili differenti cure, nondimeno dall’ Altezza della sua Posizione si degnò di rivolgere verso di noi uno sguardo di pietà, lo volse verso l’umile virgulto, verso la pecorella separata d’Israel, da tempo remoto segregato e disperso, compiacendosi con l’alto Sovrano suo Comando d’annunziargli, sei mio vassallo, fortificati, e rinfrancati, applica il tuo intelletto alle Scienze, non trascurare la cultura delle Arti, esercita la tua forza nelle Armi, ed acquisterai fama come quella de’più celebri nella civile Società.	Who will be able to enumerate his deeds, the profound concepts of his soul, the invincible strength of his heart? He spreads the wings of his swift discernment in the most elevated and abstruse sciences, rapid and indefatigable in his movements over immense distances like an eagle that stirs its nest to flight, rejoices, like the valiant who completes his career, in walking the path of righteousness, and works wonders; And although he is surrounded by immense, and innumerable different concerns, nevertheless from the height of his position he deigned to turn towards us a look of pity, he turned it towards the humble sapling, towards the separated sheep of Israel, from remote time segregated and dispersed, pleased with his high Sovereign his command to announce, you are my vassal, fortified, and refreshed, apply your intellect to the sciences, do not neglect the culture of the arts, exercise your strength in arms, and acquire fame as that of the most famous in civil society.
וַאֲנַחְנו עַם מַרְעִיתוֹ וְצֹאן יָדוֹ קְהַל עֲדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל אֲשֶׁר בּעִיר לִיווֹרנוֹ, מַה טוֹב חֶלְקֵנוּ וּמַה נָעִים גּוֹרָלֵנוּ, עַל כִּי הוֹסִיף שֵׁנִית יָדוֹ וְהֶעְדִיף מִטוּבוֹ עָלֵינוּ מִיָּד בָּעֵת אֲשֶׁר בָּאנוּ לְהִסְתוֹפֵף תַחַת דֶּגֶל מֶמְשַׁלְתּוֹ, עָשָׂה עִמָּנוּ אוֹת לְטוֹבָה כְּפוּלָה וּמְכוּפֶלֶת לְטוֹב לָנוּ כׇּל הַיָמִים וּלְחַיּוֹתֵנוּ כְּהַיוֹם הַזֶה׃	E noi suoi fedeli Sudditi componenti l’Università Israelitica della Città di Livorno quanto è buona la parte nostra, quant’ è piacevole la nostra sorte, che appena entrati sotto il vittorioso Vessillo d’un Monarca così potente ci ha particolarmente graziati con le alte sue Beneficenze per attuale nostro risorgimento, e permanente nostro sollievo.	And we, his faithful Subjects, faculty of the Israelitic University of the City of Livorno, how good is our part, how pleasant is our fate, that as soon as we entered under the victorious Banner of such a powerful Monarch has particularly graced us with his high Beneficences for our present resurgence, and our permanent relief.
עַל כֵן נָרִים רֹאשׁ וְיָדֵינוּ פְּרוּשׂוֹת הַשָּׁמַיִם, בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה כִּי בָא מוֹעֵד, יוֹם הֻלֶדֵת אֲדוֹנֵינוּ הַקֵיסָר וְהַמֶּלֶךְ; אָנָּה הַאֵל אֱלֹהֵי הַצְּבָאוֹת גָבוֹהַ מֵעַל גָבוֹהַ שׁוֹמֵר גָנוֹן וְהִצִּיל פָּסוּחָ וְהִמְלִיט לַאֲדוֹנֵינוּ הַקֵיסָר וְהַמֶלֶךְ, יָגִיל וְיִשְֹמָח אַף גִילָת וְרַנֵן, עִם הַשֵׁגָל הַנִצֶּבֶת לִימִינוֹ, יָמִים עַל יְמֵי מֶלֶךְ יוֹסִיף הוּא וְכׇל בְנֵי מִשְׁפַּחְתּוֹ גְדוֹלִים וְשָׂרִים רַבִּים וְנִכְבָּדִים, יְחַיוּ דָגָן וְיִפְרְחוּ כְּגֶפֶן פּוֹרִיָה, וּלְמַעַן יַאֲרִיךְ יָמִים עַל מַמְלַכְתּוֹ עוֹד כׇּל יְמֵי הָאָרֶץ, וְתִרְבֶּנָה סַרְעַפוֹתָיו בְאוֹרֶךְ דָלִיוֹתָיו, וַאֲשֶׁר הוּא עֹשֶׂה יְיָ מַצְלִחַ׃	Eleviamo pertanto rispettosamente il nostro capo, ed estendiamo le nostre mani al cielo in questo solenne giorno in cui si celebra la faustissima Ricorrenza del Giorno Natalizio dell’ Augustissimo IMPERATORE e RE nostro Padrone. Deh! onnipotente Dio degli Eserciti, altissimo Spettatore dal sublime tuo Seggio, proteggi, riguarda, preseveva, e salva l’IMPERATORE e RE nostro Signore, goda ogni completa contentezza per serie dilatata d’anni in unione dell’ Augusta sua Sposa l’IMPERATRICE REGINA, e di tutti i grandi, e potenti Monarchi componenti l’Imperiale, e Reale Famiglia, vivano per benefizio universale come il frumento che vivifica le creature, e fioriscano come la prolifica vite; prolungata alla perpetuità sia la gloria del di Lui Regno, si moltiplichino, propaghino, ed ingrandiscano i suoi Rami, e tutte le sue imprese abbiano il più prospero, e felice successo.	We therefore respectfully raise our heads, and extend our hands to heaven on this solemn day in which we celebrate the most auspicious Recurrence of the Birthday of the Most August Emperor and King our Master. God! omnipotent God of Hosts, highest Spectator from your sublime Seat, protect, regard, praise, and save the EMPEROR and KING our Lord, may he enjoy every complete contentment for an extended series of years in union with his August Bride the EMPERESS QUEEN,^[1] In 1808, Joséphine de Beauharnais (born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie; 23 June 1763 – 29 May 1814) was Empress of the French as the first wife of Emperor Napoleon Ⅰ. and with all the great, and powerful Monarchs that make up the Imperial, and Royal Family, may they live for universal benefit like the wheat that enlivens creatures, and flourish like the prolific vine; prolonged to perpetuity be the glory of his Kingdom, multiply, propagate, and enlarge its branches, and all its enterprises have the most prosperous and happy success.
הָאֵל בְּרוֹב חַסְדּוֹ יִשְׁמְרֵהוּ וִיחַיֵיהוּ וְאֻשַּׁר בָּאָרֶץ, וְרוֹב שָׁלוֹם עַד בְּלִי יָרֵחַ, כִּי עֲתֶרֶת הַחַיִים וְהַשָּׁלוֹם יִהְיֶה בְיָמָיו, יִשְֹמְחוּ וִירַנְּנוּ לְאֻמִּים כִּי יֵשְׁבוּ אַחִים יַחְדָּיו אִישׁ תַּחַת גַפְנוֹ וְתַחַת תְאֵנָתוֹ, תֶרֶב גְדוּלָּתוֹ וְתִפְאַרְתּוֹ, מִרְעֶה אַרְצוֹ דָשֵׁן וְשָׁמֵן, וְכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן וְנֹאמַר אָמֵן׃	Iddio per la sua gran misericordia lo conservi, dilati la sua vita, e lo feliciti con moltitudine di Pace all’infinito, che l’affluenza della vita, e della Pace sia ne’giorni suoi. Le nazioni si rallegreranno, e canteranno, vivendo tutte in perfetta fratellanza, tranquillo ognuno ne’suoi domestici lari; aumenti vieppiù la di Lui grandezza, e gloria, florida, ed abbondante sia tutta l’estensione del suo Dominio, e così sia, e si dica Amen.	May God in his great mercy preserve him, prolong his life, and gladden him with multitudes of Peace to infinity, that the influx of life and Peace may be in his days. The nations will rejoice and sing, all living in perfect brotherhood, each one tranquil in his own household; let his greatness and glory increase, let the whole extent of his dominion be florid and abundant, and so be it, and let us say Amen.
	Benedizione al Sovrano.	Blessing to the Sovereign.
הַנּוֹתֵן תְּשׁוּעָה לַמְּלָכִים, וּמֶמְשָׁלָה לַנְּסִיכִים, וּמַלְכוּתוֹ מַלְכוּת כׇּל־עוֹלָמִים׃ הַפּוֹצֶה אֶת דָּוִד עַבְדּוֹ מֵחֶרֶב רָעָה, הַנּוֹתֵן בַּיָּם דֶּרֶךְ, וּבְמַיִם עַזִּים נְתִיבָה, הוּא יְבָרֵךְ וְיִשְׁמוֹר וְיִנְצוֹר וְיַעֲזוֹר, וִירוֹמֵם וִיגַדֵּל, וִינַשֵּׂא לְמַעְלָה לְמַעְלָה, לַאֲדוֹנֵנוּ	Quello che veglia alla salvezza dei Regi, e che dà dominio ai potenti: quello il di cui imperio è l’impero di tutta l’eternit’à, quello che liberò David suo servo dalla spada nemica: quello che aperse nel mare la via, e tra le acque rapidissime il sentiere, quello istesso benedica, conservi, guardi, soccorra, esalti, ingrandisca ed innalzi al grado più sublime, il nostro Padrone,	The one who watches over the salvation of the Kingdoms, and who gives dominion to the mighty: the one whose empire is the empire of all eternity, The one who freed David his servant from the enemy’s sword: the one who opened in the sea the way, and among the swiftest waters the path, [may] the same one bless, preserve, watch, help, exalt, magnify and raise to the most sublime degree, our Master,
סוּאָה מַאֵסְטָא אִמְפֶירְיָאלֵי אֵי רֵיאַלֵי נַאפוֹלֵיאוֹנֵי פְרִימוֹ אִמְפֵירַאטוֹרֵי דֵי פְֿרַאנְגֵֿיסִי רֵי דֵי אִיטַלְיָיא אֵי פִרוֹטֵיטוֹרֵי דֵילָה קוֹנְפֵֿידְרַאצִיונֵי דֵיל רֵינוֹ׃	S. M. I. E R.^[2] Sua Maestà Imperiale E Reale NAPOLEONE Ⅰ. IMPERATORE DE’FRANCESI, RE D’ITALIA, E PROTETTORE DELLA CONFEDERAZIONE DEL RHINE.	HIS IMPERIAL & ROYAL MAJESTY NAPOLEON Ⅰ. EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH, KING OF ITALY, AND PROTECTOR OF THE CONFEDERATION OF THE RHINE.
מֶֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים בְּרַחֲמָיו, יִשְׁמְרֵהוּ וִיּחַיֵּיהוּ, וּמִכׇּל־צָרָה וָנֶזֶק יַצִּילֵהוּ׃	o Re dei Regi piacciati riguardarlo e prolungare la sua vita, lo libera da qualunque danno o pericolo,	O King of Kings please [take] regard [of] him and prolong his life; free him from any damage or danger,
מֶֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים בְּרַחֲמָיו, יָרוּם וְיַגְבִּיהַ כּוֹכַב מַֽעֲרַכְתּוֹ, וְיַֽאֲרִיךְ יָמִים עַל מַמְלַכְתּוֹ׃	Re dei Re per la tua pietà lo proteggi, ed innalza l’astro del suo destino, e lui concedi lunghi giorni e tranquilli nel suo Regno.	King of kings, by your mercy protect him, and raise the star of his destiny, and grant him long days and quiet in his kingdom.
מֶֽלֶךְ מַלְכֵי הַמְּלָכִים בְּרַחֲמָיו, יִתֵּן בְּלִבּוֹ, וּבְלֵב כׇּל־יוֹעֲצָיו וְשָׂרָיו, רַחֲמָנוֹת לַעֲשׂוֹת טוֹבָה עִמָּנוּ, וְעִם כׇּל יִשְׂרָאֵל אַחֵינוּ׃	Re dei Regi per la tua pietà inspira nel suo cuore, e nel cuore di tutti i suoi consiglieri e ministri, sentimenti di compassione e di benevolenza verso di noi, e verso tutti i figli d’Israel nostri fratelli,	King of the Kings, may your piety inspire in his heart, and in the hearts of all his advisors and ministers, feelings of compassion and benevolence towards us, and towards all the sons of Israel our brothers,
בְּיָמָיו וּבְיָמֵינוּ, תִּוָּשַׁע יְהוּדָה, וְיִשְׂרָאֵל יִשְׁכּוֹן לָבֶטַח, וּבָא לְצִיּוֹן גּוֹאֵל, וְכֵן יְהִי רָצוֹן, וָנֺאמַר אָמֵן׃	affinchè sotto il suo Regno illustre, Jeudà trovi la sua salute, ed Israel sicuro riposo fino l’arrivo del Redentore nella città di Sion, e così sia Amen.	so that under his illustrious reign, Jeuda may find his health, and Israel safely rest until the arrival of the Redeemer in the city of Ẓion, and so be it Amen.
	Segue la solita Benedizione al Popolo.	The usual Blessing of the People follows.

This is a prayer service for the Festival of Napoleon celebrating the Emperor’s birthday in 1808, included a novel prayer by Rabbi Jacob Nunes-Vais (1782-1812) for introducing the traditional prayer for the king, “hanoten teshua,” published in הוד מלכות (Hod Malkhut) Preghiere Recitate, E Cantate Nel Tempio Degli Ebrei Di Livorno, Il di 15. Agosto 1808. Ricorrendo Il Faustissimo Giorno Natalizio Di S. M. I., E R. L’ Augustissimo Napoleone I Imperatore De’Francesi, Re D’Italia, E Protettore Della Confederazione Del Reno.

The transcription of the Italian provided machine-readable text for a machine translation by DeepL, which we then edited for accuracy and clarity. We welcome corrections and improvements. –Aharon Varady

Source(s)

Notes

Notes
1	In 1808, Joséphine de Beauharnais (born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie; 23 June 1763 – 29 May 1814) was Empress of the French as the first wife of Emperor Napoleon Ⅰ.
2	Sua Maestà Imperiale E Reale

Thanksgiving Day prayer in honor of King Umberto Ⅰ of Italy upon the passing of a cholera epidemic, by Rabbi Sobato Morais (28 November 1884)

Aharon N. Varady (transcription) — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 02:27:42 +0000

Contribute a translation	Source (English)
	Blessings innumerable have the heavens showered down upon fifty-five millions during the cycle of months now returning, and none has been more precious than a deliverance from a disease which covered the south of France and of Italy as with a pall. The agonies of death, and the anguish of its terrors were set before us in the gloomy picture which the submarine cable daily portrayed.
	In it a figure stood out in bold relief, and thereupon our admiring looks dwelt long— Humbert Ⅳ,^[1] Umberto Ⅰ of Italy (1844-1900), who reigned from 1878-1900. heroic in the field of humanity, scattering broadcast the seeds of beneficence. His loving kindness to his cholera stricken subjects, is the brightest gem in his kingly crown.
	From hence we greet the consoler in the hour of trouble; him we hail a true nature’s nobleman, more royally great when in search of the hovel of misery than when seated upon a dazzling throne.
	May he continue to merit the loyal affection of the nation, he gently rules, by hygienic and social improvements which will render his self abnegation less needful.
	May the visitation which so sorely tried the successor of Victor Emmanuel^[2] Victor Emmanuel Ⅱ (1820-1878) who reigned from 1849-1861, the first king of a united Italy since the 6th century. His successor was Umberto Ⅰ. be palsied when attempting to come near us. The Lord, who has spoken through creation and prophecy, bids us resort to wise measures which will paralyze the arm of a destructive infection. Cleanliness and continence, temperance and moderation and a serene confidence in the Sovereign Keeper of our Republic, will speed on to our rescue the angel of health, pure air, bringing food in abundance, heart rejoicing prosperity, without end.
	To Thy guardianship O God! we commit the permanence of this glorious monument of wisdom and righeousness. Thou stoodst by its founders when they designed it in a manner that depth and solidity might lie at it basis. Thou didst endow with a supernal power those who sustained it, when it might have tottered and fallen. Vouchsafe now to breathe a spirit of justice into the man whom a majority of this self-governing people have chosen as chief.
	May the continuance of that grandest of monuments towards which the freedom-loving of every clime hopefully look become the highest of his aspirations, the longing of his very soul. Grant that in his heart beatings he may hear Thy voice directing him to work with fidelity.
	Accompanied by rectitude, may he go forth to fill this land with happiness, “as the waters which cover the sea.” (Habakuk 2:14) Amen.

This prayer in admiration of King Umberto Ⅰ of Italy after the passing of a cholera epidemic was preserved on page 246 of the Sobato Morais Scrapbook (a/k/a, the Morais Ledger) in a clipping from the Philadelphia Inquirer on 28 November 1884, “The Church and Its Duty: Rev. S. Morais on the Limits of Politics in the Pulpit.”

Source(s)

thanksgiving day prayer in admiration of Umberto I (aka Humbert IV) [Philadelphia Enquirer 1884-11-28] (Sabato Morais Ledger, p. 246)

Notes

Notes
1	Umberto Ⅰ of Italy (1844-1900), who reigned from 1878-1900.
2	Victor Emmanuel Ⅱ (1820-1878) who reigned from 1849-1861, the first king of a united Italy since the 6th century. His successor was Umberto Ⅰ.