payṭanim

The term "payyetan" (plural: payyetanim) refers to authors of liturgical poems known as "piyyutim". These poems are a significant part of the Jewish liturgy, recited on special Sabbaths and festivals. The practice of composing these poems emerged during a period of Hebrew literary revival, roughly between 500 and 1000 CE.12

The keynote of these piyyutim was messianic fervor and religious exuberance. The poets, called payyetanim, utilized extensive vocabularies from biblical, Mishnaic, and Aramaic texts, and also coined thousands of new words. These poems often contain intricate allusions and detailed lists of rites and laws, suggesting an educated audience. Some of the most notable poets, such as Phineas the Priest, Yose ben Yose, Yannai, and Eleazar ha-Kalir, lived in Palestine, though their exact dates and locations are not precisely known. Many of these piyyutim are still incorporated into synagogue services today.2