Phish - Avenu Malkenu - Jones Beach

“Avenu Malkenu,” classically associated with Rosh Hashanah, the Ten Days of Awe, and Yom Kippur, was originally an ancient Hebrew prayer for rains during a season of drought.  

The group Phish performed Avenu Malkenu in Jones Beach, New York in 2012.  

At this time in history, a rabbi prayed for rain, and yet there was none. Then Rabbi Akiva, in the late first century or possibly early second century, prayed a similar prayer to the Avenu Malkenu in the Our Father, Our King format (referencing Isaiah 63:16 and Isaiah 33:22 respectively), and the Lord blessed these humble prayers and brought rains to the drought striken lands.  

In modern times, this prayer, which may have had 44 verses originally, is integrated into many High Holy Day services, as well as other times of fasting after the Amidah (the main prayer) but before the reading of the Torah services.  

The opening lines of each verse in the prayer can be translated as, “Our Father, Our King, be gracious with us and answer us, even though we have no [worthy] deeds; treat us with charity and kindness, and save us.”  

Through its poetic entirety, the Avenu Malkenu aknowledges that our Father in Heaven is with us, is near to us always, loves and cares for us, but it also solemnly recognizes His authority and soverignty as Lord and Creator. 

Related Articles

More From Holy Days Videos

Chanukah - The Dreidel Game

Chanukah - The Dreidel Game

Jewish acapella group Shir Soul plays the popular Dreidel Game adding their own musical flair.
Chanukah - The Dreidel Game

Israel @ 70

Celebrating 70 amazing years of Israel's growth and achievements.
Israel @ 70

The Maccabeats - Dayenu - Passover

Dayenu translates to “it would have been enough,” or “it would have been sufficient,” and has…
The Maccabeats - Dayenu - Passover

Maoz Tzur - Yonina

Here is a beautiful rendition of a traditional Chanukah song.
Maoz Tzur - Yonina

Kol Nidre

Kol Nidre by Keren Tarr.Kol Nidre is a prayer recited in synagogues before the beginning of the…
Kol Nidre

Nov 29, 1947: The Story of a Vote

The Mandate for Palestine was initially approved by the League of Nations in 1922, enforced by…
Nov 29, 1947: The Story of a Vote

Chanukah Dance

Chanukah Dance Celebrate Chanukah and dance with Beth-El Shalom!
Chanukah Dance
10 Facts About Tu B'Shvat

10 Facts About Tu B'Shvat

Have you heard about the Jewish Holiday Tu B'Shvat? If not Rabbi Lewin has a video “10 Facts…
10 Facts About Tu B'Shvat
Adam Sandler Chanukah Song

Adam Sandler Chanukah Song

“Put on your yarmulkes, here comes Chanukah. So much fun to celebrate Chanukah,” sings Adam…
Adam Sandler Chanukah Song

Uncle Jay Explains Passover

Jay Gilbert, of Uncle Jay Explains the News, humorously yet informatively describes the concept…
Uncle Jay Explains Passover

Publish the Menu module to "offcanvas" position. Here you can publish other modules as well.
Learn More.


donation