Malkeinu

Malkeinu, commonly referred to as Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King), is a Jewish liturgical prayer used primarily during the High Holy Days. It comprises a sequence of supplications addressed to God as both Father and King, invoking mercy, forgiveness, and protection for the individual and the community.

Origins and authorship: The exact origin is uncertain. Most scholars place its emergence in the medieval period among Ashkenazi communities in Europe, with no single attributed author. Over time, it became a central element of the prayer services in many Jewish communities.

Content and form: The prayer consists of multiple short petitions rather than a single long plea. Each line expresses a plea for mercy in areas such as health, livelihood, peace, forgiveness, observance, and redemption. The wording and order vary slightly between communities; Sephardic versions may differ from Ashkenazi ones.

Liturgical use and practice: Malkeinu is a staple of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services, typically recited in the evening and morning prayers during the Ten Days of Repentance. In some communities it is also recited on fast days or during times of distress or drought.

Musical tradition: It is usually chanted or sung with a plaintive, penitential melody, though the tune and phrasing vary by tradition. The text has been preserved and adapted across different Jewish communities, reflecting diverse liturgical customs.