19. Josepf the Righteous (Yossef HaTzaddiq)

A performance of three related and sometimes separate songs about Joseph, sung for weddings and other good occasions. The first exclaims at how Joseph's dreams foretold the future. The second recounts how he was sold into slavery; how he wept at his mother's grave on the way to Egypt; and how he resisted Potiphar's wife. Part III is a popular chorus in the words of Serah Bat Asher, announcing to Jacob, “Joseph is alive and well in Egypt!” Jacob's blessing of Serah Bat Asher also appears at the conclusion of a number of other Malayalam Jewish songs (e.g. nos. .29, 30). Tunes: Part l same as song no. 2 (Parrot Song); Part II a tune also used for both Adon ’olam and El mistater.

Text

I. Svapna nimittam dukhicce Yõšephe

Because of a dream you became sad, Yõšephe.
Because of a dream you were praised, Yõšephe.
Ha, ha, it was cheerful to hear that, Yõšephe.
Among the stars you rose so high, Yõšephe.

"This old man is just about to die, Yošephe.
"Before you, am I not the moon, Yošephe?”
Ha, ha, it was cheerful to hear that, Yõšephe!
Among the stars you rose so high, Yõšephe

In anger didn’I you catch hold of  the star?
By leaving the garment and fleeing, didn't you preserve the truth?

II. Tampirān muyimpu tuṇayāyirikkeṇam

May the Lord be our first help.
With His help at that time,
Yakob Abinu and the twelve tribes
Dwelled in righteousness and in pleasant Torah.
Father's orders were obeyed by the ten.
They went to live as shepherds.
As they were living in this manner,
Joseph obeyed his father's order,
And went through love of his brothers.
His brothers became angry when they saw him,
And they did a terribly sorrowful deed.

The masters who purchased Joseph inflicted much pain.
Crying, Joseph fell at their feet.
Felled by the blows, he rolled and ran screaming.
Ayyayyo! It's impossible to sing about it!
When Joseph was running with pain and sorrow, he saw his mother's grave.
Immediately he fell on his face and poured out his sorrow:
"Oh Mother, I have no one. What shall I do?
Save me! Who will take care of me?
If only I could see my father and learn Torah!
How is it possible for me to bear this?
Oh Mother, wake up and see. Console my father in his grief.
My elder brothers have done such a thing to me!

Have I done some unknown sin, for this to fall upon me?"
Ayyayyo, it is unbearable,
But His designs are not to be questioned.
One must trust in God's plans.
The evildoer will be revealed.
"Ayyayyo, Joseph, my son, how shall I bear this?
Your tears make me melt.
But God shall rescue you.
The future will be a delight.
My son, don't let your spirits fall."

Seeing this, the masters inflicted more hardships.
When he didn't walk with them,
They beat him to make him walk.
No matter how he pleaded, no kindness was done.
But then in darkness they were tormented.

In the city of Egypt Potiphar purchased him
And put him in charge of domestic affairs.
Joseph managed the affairs honestl.
His master loved him deeply.
But as everything was proceeding smoothly,
The mistress of the house became lustful.
"Oh beautiful Joseph, fulfill my desire!"
Beautiful Joseph refused:
"Oh no, how can I do such a thing!"
For refusing he was thrown into jail,
And he was thrown into misery.
Oh God, don't let us see such sorrow.
Don't let us hear such sorrow!

III. Ayissoṭě Yõšephe Misṟilunṭu

Joseph is alive and well in Egypt!
Ephraim and Manasseh are with him.
Because of the dream he was praised.
Joseph is alive and well in Egypt!
You are blessed to see this joy.
Who has such good luck as you?
Joseph is alive and well in Egypt!
The twelve tribes are lined up,
Going to receive the father.
The bullock cart has been sent.
Joseph is alive and well in Egypt!