“Master of the universe who reigned before any form was created.  At the time when His will created all things, then as “King” His Name was proclaimed…” (Source: The Schottenstein Edition Siddur for the Sabbath and Festivals, page 129).  We say these words in Hebrew at the end of our Shabbat Services on Shabbat Morning and even most Friday Evenings.

The Adon Olam is a short piyut or poetic hymn which was incorporated into the Shachrit service in the 1500s, however it has been a part of the Liturgy since the 1400s. There are several authors credited with composing the Adon Olam including Solomon ibn Gabirol, Rav Sherirah Gaon, and Rav Hai Gaon to name a few.  Adon Olam initially was used as an introduction to the morning service and also as a closing prayer.  In the Moroccan tradition it was used as a wedding song.  Not only chanted at weddings and services, Adon Olam has also been recited prior to going to sleep and even chanted at deathbeds.

“The hymn glorifies the supremacy of G-d, His omnipotence, and His providence.” (Source: The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer by Macy Nulman, Page 7).  There are a variety of different versions of Adon Olam.  For example, the Ashkenaz version has 10 lines or 6 stanzas, while a Sefardic version has 14 lines or 7 stanzas.  Both versions focus on the same themes of the Eternal and our faith in the providence of G-d.  Other lines connect us to the Psalms in different ways.  “Adon Olam references some of the most famous lines in Psalm 23. Where the Psalm says, ‘I fear no evil for You are with me,’ Adon Olam repeats, ‘G-d is with me, I have no fear.’ Where the psalmist exalts that ‘my cup runneth over’ Adon Olam refers to G-d as ‘my cup of life.’ (Source: Adon Olam A Short Hymn that Summarizes the Jewish Understanding of G-d, https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/adon-olam/)

The opening word of Adon means Master or L-rd which was first Spoken by Avraham in B’reishit Chapter 15 Verse 2, “But Abram sad, ‘O L-rd G-d, what can You give me…’” (Source: Etz Hayim Torah and Commentary, Page 82).   In this section Avraham is reminded that he remains childless, even though he was promised that his children shall inherit the land that he sees, then who but Eliezer, his servant, should inherit all his wealth.  It is at that point that G-d once again re-affirms his promise to Avraham, thus re-affirming Avraham’s faith and trust.

Next to the Sh’ma the Adon Olam is one of the most well-known and beloved prayers.  Due to the nature of the piyut it can be sung to almost any melody.  To name a few more popular tunes –  Gilligan’s Island, Yankee Doodle, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, Frozen, Broadway Songs, Yiddish Songs, Patriotic Songs,  Beatles songs, Operas and so many others.  What is your favorite tune for Adom Olam?  When we have a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, many times family members will join together on the Bima and lead the Congregation in Adon Olam.  When there is no Bar or Bat Mitzvah many times students from our Religious School will join us on the Bima and lead our DHJC Community in Adon Olam.

As we join together and sing the various melodies let us take some time to ruminate upon the meaning of the words and how they can connect us, not only to each other, but to our faith in G-d.