Rabbi Elazar Azikri (1533-1600) was a Kabbalist and poet best known as the author of Yedid Nefesh, the beloved hymn sung at the Shabbat table and during Kabbalat Shabbat. He was part of the Tzfat Kabbalistic circle and his work Sefer Charedim is an important guide to the fulfillment of the mitzvot with love and awe. He was known for his extraordinary piety and love of God.