aleinu

Aleinu is a short Jewish prayer recited at the conclusion of the daily prayer service. It is widely observed across major Jewish denominations and appears in various traditional versions. The prayer is devoted to monotheism, praise of God, and the hope for universal recognition of the one God.

The text comprises two main sections. The opening section extols God as the Master of all, the Creator and ruler of the world, and obligates the community to praise Him and to acknowledge His sovereignty. The second section presents a messianic vision in which all nations will recognize the one God and abandon idols; it expresses longing for an era of universal worship and ethical conduct. There are textual variations among communities, particularly in wording and emphasis.

Usage and timing vary by tradition. Aleinu is typically recited at the end of the daily prayer service and on Shabbat and festivals in many communities. The exact practice—whether it is said after Shacharit, Mincha, Ma’ariv, or on which days—differs among Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and other expressions of Judaism.

Origins and significance: The precise authorship and date of Aleinu are uncertain, but it is generally treated as part of classical Jewish liturgy that crystallized in the medieval period across various communities. It holds a distinctive place as a concise declaration of monotheism and as a hopeful note on the future universal recognition of God.