“It is our duty to praise the Master of all, to ascribe greatness to the Molder of creation, for He has not made us like the nations of the lands…” (Source: S’dur Simchat Y’hoshua L’shabat V’Yom Tov, The Schottenstein Edition, pg. 122).  We say these words at the end of each and every service.  One might not recognize the words on the page, however when we say them in the Hebrew: “Aleinu L’Shabe’ach La’adon HaKol…” we are all familiar with the words.  The Aleinu is recited daily at the conclusion of Ma’ariv, Shachrit, and Minha services.  It is also a custome to recite it at a Brit Milah.

Initially the Aleinu was only part of the High Holy Day services utilized to introduce the Malchuyot Service in the Musaf Prayers.  In about 1300 C.E. it was brought into the daily services, where, along with the next paragraph of Al Kayn N’kaveh (“We hope therefore”) it became the closing prayer. The prayer was utilized as a closing prayer to be “…as a reaffirmation of the proclamation of G-d as Supreme King of the universe and of the Divine Unity.” (Source: The Encyclopedia of Jewish Prayer, Macy Nulman, pg. 24).

The authorship of the prayer is unknown, however some note Joshua, who upon the fall of the walls of Jericho penned the prayer.  Others note it  to the Amora Rav, who is the third-century Babylonian sage.  One other view of authorship is by the Men of the Greeat Assembly during the period of the Second Temple.  Regardless of authorship, the prayer is ancient in origin.

The main them of the Aleinu is G-d’s Kingdom.  “In the first part, God is praised for having singled out the people of Israel from other nations, for Israel worships the One God while others worship idols. The second paragraph expresses the fervent hope for the coming of the kingdom of God…” (source: https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/aleinu-le-shabbeah).

In the Aleinu we prostrate ourselves during the line: “Va’anachnu Cor’im umishtachavim umodim…” which can be translated as “And we bend our knees, and bow, and acknowledge our thanks…” (Source: S’dur Simchat Y’hoshua L’shabat V’Yom Tov, The Schottenstein Edition, pg. 123).  In some Synagogues Congregations open the Ark Doors for the recitation of the Aleinu.

The common melody utilized for Aleinu’s first paragraph is based upon common Ashkenazic melodic motifs.  The composer is unknown, some ascribing to Solomon Sulzer, however the melody is thought to be much older in origin.  The next section, Shehu Noteh Shamayim starts out with the same melody as the melody to the children’s song Itzy Bitzy Spider.

The Aleinu is one of the first prayers taught to students in Hebrew Schools, along with Ein Keloheinu and Adon Olam.  Here at Dix Hills Jewish Center I teach the Aleinu to students as young as the Prime Grades, which include Kindergarten through Second Grade.

A couple years back some of my students were at a weekday service with their parent, who was saying the Mourner’s Kaddish.  I was leading services and the students were singing behind me.  I asked them if they would like to lead the Aleinu and they enthusiastically said yes.  Hence was the beginning of the (Dix Hills Jewish Center) DHJC Aleinu Crew.  Now when I teach the Aleinu to students I tell them about our Aleinu Crew and that once they know the prayer they are welcome to join in leading that at all services.  I am happy to note that our Aleinu Crew at DHJC has been steadily growing.  These students lead the Aleinu at Shabbat Services, Friday Night, Shabbat Morning, and even Shabbat Afternoon when there is no Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and even on weekday evening Minyanim when they are in attendance.  After Aleinu the students participate in other prayers, V’Shamru; Ein Keloheinu, Adon Olam, and others.  This represents a great opportunity for students to not only participate and become comfortable leading prayers, but also learning how to pray.