Moses ben Abraham Bali

Moses ben Abraham Bali was a prominent figure in 15th century Cairo, distinguished as a Karaite physician, poet, and ḥakham. His literary contributions are notable, with two significant collections of Hebrew poetry attributed to him. The earliest collection, Sefer Zeraḥ, dates back to 1489 and comprises 224 piyyutim, which are poetic compositions based on the weekly lessons. This work showcases his skill in crafting liturgical poetry that resonates with the spiritual themes of his community.

Bali's later collection, Taḥkemoni, further demonstrates his poetic prowess, featuring 237 piyyutim specifically designed for the Sabbath and other significant holidays. Additionally, some liturgical poems initially ascribed to Moses ben Abraham Darʿī have been correctly identified as the work of Bali, underscoring his prolific output and influence in the literary realm. Through his poetry, Bali has left a lasting legacy, with his works preserved and appreciated for their literary and spiritual merit, including those now housed in the collection of Abraham Firkovich in Saint-Petersburg.