The haunting melody and intense emotional language of Avinu Malkeinu have made this prayer a signature moment of the Yamim Nora’im, inviting us to call out to God as both an intimate parent and a majestic ruler. Join us as we explore this prayer more deeply with Rabbi Elie Kaunfer and others.
Nizakher Venikatev: A Reflective Guide for Avinu Malkeinu
The image of a father and the image of a king are very different from each other. What connotations come to mind for each role? Which image represents your idea of the Divine? Is there a different image that fits better with your understanding of God? Explore these questions and more as we go deeper into Avinu Malkeinu.
Rabbi Elie Kaunfer: God as King and Avinu Malkeinu
Rabbi Elie Kaunfer is President and CEO of the Hadar Institute. A graduate of Harvard College, he completed his doctorate in Liturgy at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where he was also ordained. Elie is a co-founder of the independent minyan Kehilat Hadar and the author of Empowered Judaism: What Independent Minyanim Can Teach Us about Building Vibrant Jewish Communities.
Breaking Down Avinu Malkeinu
What’s the essence of Avinu Malkeinu, the prayer so integral to the themes and liturgy of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur? We’ll break it down for you.