Aleinu
Aleinu
Aleinu
Aleinu
The prayer
, proclaiming G-d as Melech (King) over a united
humanity, has been recited as the closing prayer of the three daily services
every since the 13th century. According to tradition, Yehoshua (Joshua)
composed it at the time he crossed the Yarden (Jordan) and entered the Land of
Promise. It is generally held, however, that it was first introduced into the daily
prayer service by Rav, founder of the Sura Academy (early third century), as an
introduction to Malchuyot, the section recited as part of the Musaf service for
Rosh Hashanah.
Bach (Orach Chayim 133) explains that Aleinu was added to the daily prayers
to implant faith in the Oneness of G-d's Kingship, and the conviction that He
will one day remove detestable idolatry from the earth..., thus preventing Jews
from being tempted to follow the beliefs and lifestyles of the nations among
whom they dwell (see Iyun Tefillah and Emek Brachah)
As we can surmise from its authorship and its placement at the conclusion of
every service, its significance is profound. Its first paragraph (aleinu) proclaims
the difference between Yisrael's concept of G-d and that of the other nations.
The second paragraph (al kein) expresses our confidence that all humanity will
eventually recognize His sovereignty and declare its obedience to His
commandments. It should be clear, however, that this does not imply a belief or
even a hope that they will convert to Judaism. Rather, they will accept Him as
the only G-d and obey the universal Noachide laws that are incumbent upon all
nations (R' Hirsch). (Artscroll Siddur, Nusach Ashkenaz, p. 158-159)
Since the 14th century, incessant attacks were concentrated upon Aleinu on
account of the words "For they bow to vanity and emptiness and pray to a g-d
which helps not." So, this passage was deleted from the Ashkenazic Siddurim
(Prayer books).
While most congregations have not returned this passage to the Aleinu prayer,
some prominent authorities, among them Rabbi Yehoshua Leib Diskin, insist
that Aleinu be recited in its original form (World of Prayer; Siach Yitzchak)
(Artscroll Siddur, Nusach Ashkenaz, p. 159)
Sources:
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