Baruch El Elyon

[3][4] The poem's theme is singing praises to God, who gave complete physical and mental rest to his people.

The payytan describes the joy of Shabbat and its dignity, which is glorified with delicious food and festive clothes, the enormous reward that the keeper of the Sabbath will receive both now and in heaven, the powerful human experience of the Sabbath, the feelings it evokes, and the importance of Shabbat to God.

According to the piyyut, the Sabbath breaks the natural routine of the weekdays and in the process elevates the Jew to another level.

The piyyut also recalls that God will redeem his people because of the Sabbath: "Yohanan said that Shimon ben Yochai said, 'If Israel kept two Shabbats appropriately, we would immediately be redeemed'".

[7] One 13th-century manuscript of Machzor Vitry contains verses 1, 2, and 4, spelling ברך.

[10] MS Schocken 22, a machzor for the Jews of Corfu, also includes the piyyut.

He seeks Zion,[a] the abandoned city, How long will you aggrieve this sad soul?

The Sabbath observer, male or female, is pleasing[b] to god like meal on the pan.

[e] With sweet foods, variety of dishes, With glorious clothing, a family feast.

[g] And if he completes the day's obligations, praise him,[h] To God who made him,[i] a meal-offering is sent.

A jeweled[j] crown he'll set on their heads, The spirit of the Eternal Rock will rest on them.

An early alternative version of the last verse is found in NLI Ms. Heb.

In all your dwellings, eat matzah, Your enslaved ancestors all inherited.