Polido, David Raphael. Zichron Purim [The last will and testament of Haman and his sons, and other related parodies].

(PARODY).

Livorno

1703

Vinograd, Livorno 21; Davidson, Parody in Jewish Literature pp. 48, 195.

According to Davidson (p. 48), this parody of an Ethical Will “seems to be the earliest effort in this line.” Signed by two witnesses with satiric names, Haman is described as languishing in prison awaiting execution, whereupon he calls in his family and reads his will of twenty sections. The poetical section entitled ‘Hakafoth’ contains interesting word-play, for example: Haman’s soul will go to ‘Me’arath Ha’afelah’ (a dark cave) a play on ‘Me’arath Hamachpelah.’ This is followed by a Hashkavah - a requiem for their souls. The postscript ‘Chok Lane’arim’ provides a vivid description of the manner of celebrating Purim in the author’s day.