The “Avinu Malkeinu” (Our Father, Our King) prayer is recited on the High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It is also recited on the Ten Days of Repentance between the two holidays. Other occasions the prayer is recited varies according to Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions. “Avinu Makeinu” — which is sung to a hauntingly beautiful melody — is a supplication to G-d at the start of the Jewish New Year. Here is a small sample of its meaning (translated into English):
Our Father, our King
Inscribe us in the book of good life
Our Father, our King
Inscribe us, seal us in the book of redemption and salvation
The issue of divine gender neutrality (or lack thereof) in the prayer has arisen in progressive streams of Judaism. In the U.K., the Liberal Jewish movement translates the Hebrew as “Our Creator, Our Sovereign,” while one Reform prayer book in the U.S. refers to “Loving Father” and “Compassionate Mother.”
Source: Wikipedia
Learn more about the “Avinu Malkeynu” prayer on Wikipedia. >>
Watch Cantor Marcus Feldman (pictured above) chanting the “Avinu Malkeinu” prayer at Sinai Temple in Los Angeles. The introduction is by Rabbi David Wolpe, the congregation’s senior rabbi [3:54]. >>
Listen to Barbra Streisand singing “Avinu Malkeinu,” with a full English translation [4:25 ]. >>
Photo: YouTube
