Jewish Triumph: The Miracle of Purim Ashrif

In the year 1704, the military leader Kalil Bey had a firm hold over Tripoli. During this time, the ruler of Egypt sent gifts to the ruler of Tunis on a large merchant ship. Due to a storm, the ship had to dock at the shores of Tripoli. Pirate ships under the control of the Tripoli leader stormed the vessel destined for the Tunis ruler and looted everything on board.

The furious ruler of Tunis was incensed by this blatant act and sent an army of ten thousand soldiers led by Ibrahim Ashrif to wreak vengeance on the people of Tripoli. Upon reaching Tripoli's shores, Ashrif announced, "Prepare to avenge the ruler of Tunis. Show no mercy to the weak or elderly; reject any bribe and annihilate from young to old."

(Illustration photo: Shutterstock)

The terrified and impoverished residents of Tripoli offered Ibrahim Ashrif a large ransom for their lives, yet their plea was denied. Nonetheless, they implored Ashrif's lieutenant, Akhsan ben Ali, to negotiate their pardon. Empathy for Tripoli's plight led ben Ali to request mercy from Ashrif, arguing, "Why should the innocent populace suffer for their leader's sin?"

Ashrif's wicked resolve stood firm, and he ordered his followers, "Spill the blood of our enemies."

Similar to Jacob preparing for his meeting with Esau, after a failed attempt at appeasing the tyrant, the people of Tripoli turned to prayers and warfare. Rabbi Yosef Ajib declared a fast, prompting the Jews of Tripoli to gather in synagogues, reciting prayers, supplications, and pleas.

The city prepared for battle, fortifying towers and recruiting guards. An official decree was issued to Tripoli's Jewish leadership to conscript all Jews into the defense against the Tunisian army.

Indeed, Ibrahim Ashrif's malevolent forces began a massacre in the surrounding villages. Emboldened by his victories, Ashrif dispatched two thousand soldiers to attack Tripoli. Forewarned by their intelligence, Tripoli's soldiers ambushed and defeated Ashrif's troops.

The remaining eight thousand soldiers grew anxious about their prospects. Yet, Ashrif attempted to rally them for another assault on Tripoli. In the ensuing battle, his forces were decisively defeated, and Tripoli's residents celebrated a significant victory.

On the 23rd of Tevet in 1705, after Ashrif's grand defeat, he retreated in shame to Tunis with his soldiers. In remembrance of this miracle, the rabbis of Tripoli established the 23rd of Tevet as a commemorative holiday named "Purim Ashrif."

On this day, Libyan Jews traditionally celebrated with feasting and joy, refraining from saying "Tachanun" and reciting Psalm 136 and 'Min HaMeitzar.' Work and trade were halted, and schools closed. Just as during Purim, gifts were given to the poor.

On the Shabbat preceding this day, Libyan Jews sing the piyut "Mi Kamocha," written by Rabbi Shabtai ben Rabbi David Tayar, zt"l, commemorating the miracle that befell the Jews on the 23rd of Tevet 1705.

Introduction written by Rabbi Yaakov Rachach for the Piyut

This is what the merciful One has done for us, people of His treasured nation, for life and glory. Behold the sons of Israel saved from their adversaries, the beloved and pleasant community of Tripoli in the West. The eternal kindness of Hashem, the ultimate redeemer, blesses and rescues through great wonders, at every occasion, granting grace abundantly. For His people and community, the shepherds of His flock, heirs of the Almighty.

These two days are celebrated for the wonders and miracles until the end of days. Year after year, they come in joy to Him, praising from above. They abstain from work, and the children no longer study the teachings of the sages. In the house of prayer, they offer praise and gratitude for the mercy and kindness. They rejoice and enjoy, somewhat of the peace of the full. 'From the depths I called to Hashem' until 'Give thanks to Hashem, for He is good.'

The humble would extend their hand, and everyone gave according to their ability. This joyful day, they celebrate with gladness, withholding nothing good from the righteous. And may He who redeemed the ancestors and dwells in the heavens gather Israel from the nations, returning sons to their border with clarity. Forever may peace prevail, with delight for all eternity.

These are the words of the small and insignificant, poor in stature. He hopes for Hashem’s kindness, may He watch over me, from the signer, Yaakov Rachach, young in years.

The Piyut: Mi Kamocha / Rabbi Shabtai ben David Tayar

Who is like You (Psalms 71:19) and there is none like You (Psalms 86:8)
Who is comparable to You and there is none comparable:

I will recall the mighty acts of Adonai Hashem: (Psalms 71:16)
I will mention His righteousness to a longing people.
For I remembered them in the land of their enemies,
who were scattered there: (Ezekiel 34:12)

With my mouth I will recount His wonders,
I will declare His mighty acts to all who come.
Let all nations know His signs,
For they have heard that He is there: (Genesis 43:25)

He redeemed us ever since Tahpanhes,
and struck every firstborn in tents of Hatchaness.
And He performed for us signs and wonders,
For they have heard that He is there: (Genesis 43:25)

We tread through the sea and on dry land,
and struck our enemies with a grievous blow.
Then we sang to Him a new song,
both small and great there: (Job 3:19)

Today our iniquities struck against us,
between servant and handmaid our hosts were scattered.
Yet through all, from every distress, He will redeem us,
Hashem our God from there: (Deuteronomy 5:14)

In the days of Kalil, the military commander,
the prince Ibrahim came from Tarshish.
Over the city of Tripoli with force and chariotry,
he camped facing the city there: (Genesis 33:18)

The malice of his heart misled him with deceit,
to capture the city and destroy it.
Declaring from man to beast,
I will destroy what I find there: (Genesis 18:28)

Vanguard men came to war,
nearly twenty thousand of them with him.
Besides his officers and charioteers,
with the king in His task, they were there: (1 Chronicles 4:23)

Before arriving, he instructed his troops,
spare not young or old.
Plunder and protect,
and consume wherever: (Deuteronomy 12:7)

They came from the city to meet him,
and arrayed for battle with him.
They thought to destroy him,
and Hashem dispersed them from there: (Genesis 11:8)

At the closeness of battle our soldiers dispersed,
and fell before his troops our soldiers.
And we heard, and our hearts melted,
and there was not there: (Numbers 33:14)

The next day the men of war assembled,
and armed within the city with dread.
And they counseled to uproot the wall,
to sit there: (Deuteronomy 13:13)

By the king's decree and the servants,
to gather the impoverished Jews.
To dig and quarry stones,
and everything they do there: (Genesis 39:22)

They counseled to strengthen the towers,
and all soldiers gathered there.
To guard the wall and the tools,
and abode there: (Judges 18:2)

He relied on the city, a bloodthirsty man,
and stretched his tent in Abel-Keramim.
Day by day they fought,
wherever the spoiled fell there: (Job 39:30)

Siege was laid and trenches built,
surrounded the city from every angle.
Great distress to the men of the city,
the inhabitants there: (1 Chronicles 4:40)

Twisted and crooked, he devised a plan,
to bring the axe upon every remedy.
And he cut the shrubs he found,
in the field he found there: (Genesis 33:19)

He commanded his troops to evil doings,
to kill and eradicate the old and infant.
The city and all its spoils entirely,
and they took them from there: (Deuteronomy 19:12)

He gathered weapons in abundance,
daily ambushing the city.
And set up traps closely,
to the place where he was there: (Genesis 19:27)