אַתָּה בְחַרְתָּֽנוּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים. You chose us from [among] all the peoples;
אָהַֽבְתָּ אוֹתָֽנוּ וְרָצִֽיתָ בָּֽנוּ. You loved us and took pleasure in us;
וְרוֹמַמְתָּֽנוּ מִכָּל הַלְּשׁוֹנוֹת. You exalted us above all tongues,
וְקִדַּשְׁתָּֽנוּ and You sanctified us
בְּמִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ. with Your commandments;
וְקֵרַבְתָּֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ You drew us near, our King,
לַעֲבוֹדָתֶֽךָ. to Your servitude
וְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ and Your great and Holy Name,
עָלֵֽינוּ קָרָֽאתָ: You have pronounced upon us.
וַתִּתֶּן לָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ And You gave us Adonoy, our God,
בְּאַהֲבָה in love,
On Shabbos add:
(אֶת־יוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה וְ) (this Shabbos Day and)
אֶת יוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים הַזֶּה this Day of Atonement,
לִמְחִילָה וְלִסְלִיחָה וּלְכַפָּרָה for forgiveness, pardon and atonement,
וְלִמְחָל בּוֹ and to forgive thereon
אֶת כָּל עֲוֹנוֹתֵֽינוּ all our iniquities;
On Shabbos add:
(בְּאַהֲבָה) (with love)
מִקְרָא קֹֽדֶשׁ a day of holy assembly
זֵֽכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָֽיִם: commemorating the exodus from Mitzrayim.
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ Our God and God of our fathers,
יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא וְיַגִּֽיעַ may there ascend, come, and reach,
וְיֵרָאֶה וְיֵרָצֶה וְיִשָּׁמַע appear, be desired, and heard,
וְיִפָּקֵד וְיִזָּכֵר counted and recalled
זִכְרוֹנֵֽנוּ וּפִקְדוֹנֵֽנוּ our remembrance and reckoning;
וְזִכְרוֹן אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ the remembrance of our fathers;
וְזִכְרוֹן מָשִֽׁיחַ the remembrance of the Messiah
בֶּן דָּוִד עַבְדֶּֽךָ the son of Dovid, Your servant;
וְזִכְרוֹן יְרוּשָׁלַֽיִם the remembrance of Yerushalayim,
עִיר קָדְשֶֽׁךָ city of Your Sanctuary
וְזִכְרוֹן כָּל עַמְּךָ and the remembrance of Your entire people,
בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל לְפָנֶֽיךָ. the House of Yisrael, before You
לִפְלֵיטָה לְטוֹבָה for survival, for well-being,
לְחֵן וּלְחֶֽסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים for favor, kindliness, compassion,
לְחַיִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם for life and peace
בְּיוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים הַזֶּה. on this Day of Atonement.
זָכְרֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ Remember us Adonoy, our God
בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה. on this day for well-being;
וּפָקְדֵֽנוּ בוֹ לִבְרָכָה. be mindful of us on this day for blessing,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים. and deliver us for life.
וּבִדְבַר יְשׁוּעָה In accord with the promise of deliverance
וְרַחֲמִים and compassion,
חוּס וְחָנֵּֽנוּ. spare us and favor us,
וְרַחֵם עָלֵֽינוּ have compassion on us
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ. and deliver us;
כִּי אֵלֶֽיךָ עֵינֵֽינוּ. for to You our eyes are directed
כִּי אֵל because You are the Almighty,
מֶֽלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָֽתָּה: Who is King, Gracious and Merciful.
The following verses are said responsively:
פְּתַח לָֽנוּ שַֽׁעַר. Open for us the gate [of prayer]
בְּעֵת נְעִֽילַת שַֽׁעַר. at the time of closing the gate
כִּי פָנָה יוֹם: for the day has declined.
הַיּוֹם יִפְנֶה. The day declines,
הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ יָבֹא וְיִפְנֶה. the sun goes down and declines,
נָבֽוֹאָה שְׁעָרֶֽיךָ: let us [yet] enter Your gates.
אָנָּא אֵל נָא. Please Almighty, we beseech You,
שָׂא נָא. סְלַח נָא. please bear [with] us, please pardon us,
מְחַל נָא. חֲמָל־נָא. please forgive us, please have pity,
רַחֶם־נָא. please have compassion,
כַּפֶּר־נָא. please atone,
כְּבוֹשׁ חֵטְא וְעָוֹן. suppress [our] sin and iniquity.
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,3Unlike a powerful, earthly king who rules with his might only, the Almighty God, Who is the King of kings, sits on the throne of mercy and rules with compassion.—Mateh Levi
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness4This refers to Hashem’s conduct which goes beyond the actual dictates of justice (לִפְנִים מִשׁוּרַת הַדִּין).
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.5See Maseches Rosh Hashana 17b, “Whenever Yisrael sin, let them read this service [of the thirteen attributes] before Me, and I will forgive them.”
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,6See Maseches Rosh Hashana 17a. Hashem removes the first iniquity, so that the merits remain dominant.
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite7See Maseches Rosh Hashana 17b. Rabbi Yehudah said: “A covenant has been made with the thirteen attributes that they will not be turned away empty handed.” Whenever Yisrael recites them, they will be answered.
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,7See Maseches Rosh Hashana 17b. Rabbi Yehudah said: “A covenant has been made with the thirteen attributes that they will not be turned away empty handed.” Whenever Yisrael recites them, they will be answered.
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:8See Maseches Rosh Hashana, 17b. Rabbi Yochanan said: “Were it not written in the text, it would be impossible for us to say such a thing; this verse teaches us that the Holy One, blessed is He, drew His Talis around Him like the שְׁלִיחַ צִבּוּר, the Chazzan of the congregation, and showed Moshe the order of prayer.” [The thirteen attributes are the special prayer for Hashem’s forgiveness after repentance has been made.]
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,9The use of the Name yud-kai-vov-kai denotes the attribute of mercy. The first Adonoy refers to Hashem’s compassion on us before we sin; the second Adonoy refers to His compassion [even] after we sin.—Rashi
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty,10The name אֵל, Almighty, also refers to His attribute of mercy, as it says in Tehillim (22:2) אֵלִי אֵלִי לָמָה עֲזַבְתָּנִי—Almighty—Almighty—why have You forsaken me.—Rashi Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,11Hashem does not hasten to punish the sinner, granting him an opportunity to repent and escape punishment.—Rashi
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness,12He is abundant in kindness to those that do not have sufficient merit of their own.— Rashi and Truth.13Hashem is faithful to reward those who do His will.—Rashi
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity,14Iniquity refers to sins committed willfully. and transgression,15Transgressions refer to acts of rebellion.
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;16Sin refers to sins of omission and error.
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.17Shemos 34:5—7.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”18Shemos 34:9.
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”19Tehillim 86:5.
כְּרַחֵם אָב עַל בָּנִים As a father has compassion on his children
כֵּן תְּרַחֵם יְהֹוָה עָלֵֽינוּ: so do You have compassion on us, Adonoy
לַיהֹוָה הַיְשׁוּעָה, Deliverance is Adonoy's;
עַל עַמְּךָ בִרְכָתֶֽךָ סֶּֽלָה: upon Your people is Your blessing. Selah!
יְהֹוָה צְבָאוֹת עִמָּֽנוּ Adonoy of Hosts is with us,
מִשְׂגָּב לָֽנוּ, אֱלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב סֶֽלָה: a stronghold for us is the God of Yaakov. Selah!
יְהֹוָה צְבָאוֹת, Adonoy of Hosts!
אַשְׁרֵי אָדָם בֹּֽטֵֽחַ בָּךְ: fortunate is the man who trusts in You.
יְהֹוָה הוֹשִֽׁיעָה, Adonoy, deliver us;
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ יַעֲנֵֽנוּ בְיוֹם קָרְאֵנוּ: the King will answer us on the day we call.
כִּי־עִמְּךָ הַסְּלִיחָה For with You is forgiveness,
לְמַֽעַן תִּוָּרֵא: in order that You be feared.
אִם־עֲוֹנוֹת תִּשְׁמָר־יָהּ If You God should take account of iniquities,
אֲדֹנָי מִי יַעֲמֹד: my Master, who could survive?
The Chazzan repeats after the congregation:
סְלַח נָא לַעֲוֹן הָעָם הַזֶּה, “Please pardon the sins of this nation
כְּגֹֽדֶל in accordance with the greatness
חַסְדֶּֽךָ. of Your lovingkindness;
וְכַאֲשֶׁר נָשָֽׂאתָה לָעָם הַזֶּה. and as You forgave this people
מִמִּצְרַֽיִם וְעַד הֵֽנָּה. from when it left Mitzrayim until now.”20Bamidbar 14:19.
וְשָׁם נֶאֱמַר: And there it is said:
The Congregation says:
וַיֹּאמֶר יְהֹוָה “And Adonoy said,
סָלַֽחְתִּי כִּדְבָרֶֽךָ: I have pardoned [them] as you have asked.”21Bamidbar 14:20.
הַטֵּה אֱלֹהַי אָזְנְךָ וּשְׁמָע, Incline Your ear, my God, and hear,
פְּקַח עֵינֶֽיךָ open Your eyes
וּרְאֵה שֹׁמְמֹתֵֽינוּ, and behold our desolate places,
וְהָעִיר אֲשֶׁר נִקְרָא שִׁמְךָ עָלֶֽיהָ and the city which is called by Your Name;
כִּי לֹא עַל צִדְקֹתֵֽינוּ, for it is not on account of our righteousness
אֲנַֽחְנוּ מַפִּילִים תַּחֲנוּנֵֽינוּ לְפָנֶֽיךָ, that we let fall our supplication before You,
כִּי עַל רַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים: but because of Your great mercy.
אֲדֹנָי שְׁמָֽעָה, אֲדֹנָי סְלָֽחָה, My Master, hear! My Master, pardon!
אֲדֹנָי הַקְשִֽׁיבָה וַעֲשֵׂה, My Master, listen and take action,
אַל תְּאַחַר. do not delay!
לְמַעַנְךָ אֱלֹהַי, For Your sake, my God,
כִּי שִׁמְךָ נִקְרָא because Your Name is proclaimed
עַל עִירְךָ וְעַל עַמֶּֽךָ: over Your city and over Your people.
וּמִי יַעֲמוֹד חֵטְא אִם תִּשְׁמוֹר. Who could live if You preserved sin?
וּמִי יָקוּם דִּין אִם תִּגְמוֹר. Who could exist if You executed sentence?
הַסְּלִיחָה עִמְּךָ Pardon is Yours,
סָלַחְתִּי לֵאמֹר. “I have pardoned” is Your word.
הָרַחֲמִים גַּם לְךָ Compassion is also Yours,
מִדָּתְךָ לִכְמוֹר. Your attribute is mercy.
דִּכְדּוּךְ דַּלּוּתֵֽנוּ רְאֵה Look upon our crushing poverty
וְאַל תַּכְלִים. and do not disgrace us.
דַּֽעַת נְתִיב דְּרָכֶֽיךָ Grant us knowledge to know Your ways
חֶפְצֵֽנוּ תַשְׁלִים. fulfill our desire.
גָּדוֹל וְקָטוֹן רֽוּחַ שֵֽׂכֶל הַחֲלִים. Endow both young and old with intelligence,
גִּבּֽוֹרֵי כֹֽחַ those who are mighty [to do Your will]—
רְצוֹנְךָ may it be Your will
חַזֵּק וְהַאֲלִים. to grant them strength and might.
בְּצִלְּךָ שֶֽׁבֶת שָׁבִים In Your shadow, shelter all who repent,
קַבֵּל נְדָבָה. receive them as a free-will offering.
בֵּיתְךָ יַפְרִֽיחוּ Let them flourish in Your House,
וְלֹא יוֹסִֽיפוּ לְדַאֲבָה. and sorrow no more.
אוֹבֵד וְנִדָּח [For] those who are lost and dispersed,
תַּשְׁבִּית נוֹגֵשׂ וּמַדְהֵבָה. abolish [their] oppressors.
אָז יַעֲלוּ וְיֵרָאוּ Then they will go up and appear
בְּרֽוּחַ נְדִיבָה: with a generous spirit.
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty, Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity, and transgression,
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”
שִׁלּוּם פָּרִים As sacrificial offerings of bullocks,
שְׂפָתֵֽינוּ consider the prayers of our lips;
תִּכּוֹן אֱמֶת. may they be accepted as truth.
לֶכְתֵּֽנוּ אַחֲרֶֽיךָ Our following after You,
בְּתֹם וְיֽשֶׁר sincerely and uprightly,
הַעֲמֵת. may it be joined [with our prayers].
מֵלִיץ יֽשֶׁר קַבֵּל Accept our advocate,
וּמְלָשְׁנִי צַמֵּת. and cut off my accuser,
הֶחָפֵץ חַיִּים You Who desires the life
וְלֹא בְּמוֹת הַמֵּת. and not the death of him who deserves to die.
הֲקִימֵֽנוּ בְּאוֹר פָּנֶֽיךָ Raise us by the light of Your countenance,
וְחֶשְׁבּוֹן יִתְמַצֶּה. and cancel the account [of our iniquities].
קִיּוּם מֵרֶֽדֶת שַֽׁחַת So that we may be upheld from the grave,
כֹּֽפֶר יִמָּצֵא. let ransom be found.
טֶֽרֶם נִקְרָא עוֹד דִּבּוּר יֵצֵא. Before we call, let Your word come forth.22This refers to Hashem’s word, סָלַחְתִּי, I have pardoned.
נִדְבוֹת פִּֽינוּ יְהֹוָה רְצֵה. Adonoy, accept the offerings of our lips.
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty, Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity, and transgression,
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”
מְרֻבִּים צָרְכֵי עַמְּךָ Many are the needs of Your people
וְדַעְתָּם קְצָרָה. but their mentality is shrunken—
מַחְסוֹרָם וּמִשְׁאֲלוֹתָם their wants and wishes,
בַּל יוּכְלוּ לְסַפְּרָה. they are unable to declare.
נָא We beseech You therefore,
בִּֽינָה הֲגִיגֵֽנוּ טֶֽרֶם נִקְרָא. understand our thoughts before we call,
הָאֵל [You Who are] the Almighty,
הַגָּדוֹל הַגִּבּוֹר וְהַנּוֹרָא. the Great, the Powerful, and the Awesome.
סָֽפוּ וְגַם כָּלוּ Consumed and vanished
יוֹדְעֵי פְגִיעָה. are those who knew how to pray,
סֵֽדֶר תְּפִלּוֹת the order of prayers,
בְּמַעֲנֵה לְשׁוֹנָם לְהַבִּֽיעָה. they eloquently expressed.
עֲרֻמִּים נוֹתַֽרְנוּ We have been left [spiritually] naked
וְרָבְתָה הָרָעָה. and evil has increased,
עַל כֵּן לֹא הִשַּֽׂגְנוּ יְשׁוּעָה. we have therefore not achieved deliverance.
פָּנִים אֵין לָֽנוּ פָּנֶֽיךָ לְחַלּוֹת. We lack the courage to plead before You.
פָּשַֽׁעְנוּ וּמָרַֽדְנוּ We have transgressed, and rebelled,
וְהֶעֱוִֽינוּ מְסִלּוֹת. and corrupted [our] ways.
צְדָקָה לְךָ לְבַד נְבַקֵּשׁ Therefore, your righteousness is all we seek
בְּמַעַרְכֵי תְהִלּוֹת. with the order of our praise [prayers],
הָעוֹמְדִים בְּבֵית יְהֹוָה we who stand in the House of Adonoy—
בַּלֵּילוֹת. in the evenings.
Some add “Almighty! King!” here:
קָדוֹשׁ רְאֵה כִּי פַס Holy One, behold, they have vanished
מֵלִיץ כְּשׁוּרָה. those who were fit to plead [before You];
קַבֵּל נִיבִי כְּמַרְבִּית תְּשׁוּרָה. accept my words as a great offering,
רִנָּתִי הַיּוֹם may my prayer this day
תְּהֵא בְּכִתְרְךָ קְשׁוּרָה. be attached to Your crown,
אֵל נֶאֱזָר בִּגְבוּרָה. Almighty, Who is girded with power.
שַׁוְעָתִי שְׁעֵה Regard my plea,
וּתְפִלָּתִי תְּהֵא נְעִימָה. and may my prayer be pleasant,
שְׁמַע פְּגִיעָתִי hear my supplication, [accept it]
כִּפְגִיעַת תַּמָּה. as though it is perfect and proper.
תְּחוֹקְקֵֽנוּ לְחַיִּים Inscribe us for life,
וְתֵיטִיב לָֽנוּ הַחֲתִימָה. and make good for us, the seal,
תֹּֽלֶה אֶֽרֶץ עַל בְּלִימָה. [God] Who suspends the earth in space.
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty, Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity, and transgression,
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”
יָדְךָ פְּשׁוֹט Extend Your hand
וְקַבֵּל תְּשׁוּבָתִי בְּמַעֲמָדִי. and accept my repentance, as I stand here.
סְלַח וּמְחַל רֹֽעַ מַעְבָּדִי. Pardon and forgive my wrongdoing,
פְּנֵה נָא וַעֲסוֹק turn and occupy Yourself
בְּטוֹבַת מְשַׁחֲרֶֽיךָ with the welfare of those who seek You;
דּוֹדִי וּמְעוֹדְדִי. my Beloved One, and my Upholder,
וְאַתָּה יְהֹוָה מָגֵן בַּעֲדִי. and You Adonoy are my shield.
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty, Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity, and transgression,
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”
Each of these stanzas are recited responsively:
זְכוֹר בְּרִית אַבְרָהָם Remember the covenant of Avraham
וַעֲקֵדַת יִצְחָק. and the binding of Yitzchak,
וְהָשֵׁב שְׁבוּת and restore the captivity
אָהֳלֵי יַעֲקֹב. of the tents of Yaakov,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ לְמַֽעַן שְׁמֶֽךָ. and deliver us for the sake of Your Name.
גּוֹאֵל חָזָק לְמַעַנְךָ פְּדֵֽנוּ. Mighty Redeemer, for Your sake, redeem us,
רְאֵה כִּי אָזְלַת יָדֵֽינוּ. see how helpless we are,
שׁוּר כִּי אָבְדוּ חֲסִידֵֽינוּ. look, our pious men are gone,
וּמַפְגִּֽיע אֵין בַּעֲדֵֽנוּ: and we have none to intercede for us.
וְשׁוּב בְּרַחֲמִים [Therefore] return in mercy
עַל שְׁאֵרִית יִשְׂרָאֵל. to the remnant of Yisrael,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ לְמַֽעַן שְׁמֶֽךָ. and deliver us for the sake of Your Name.
הָעִיר הַקֹּֽדֶשׁ וְהַמְחוֹזוֹת. The holy city [Yerushalayim] and its environs,
הָיוּ לְחֶרְפָּה וּלְבִזּוֹת. have become disgraced and plundered;
וְכָל מַחֲמַדֶּֽיהָ טְבוּעוֹת וּגְנוּזוֹת. all its treasures are buried and hidden,
וְאֵין שִׁיּוּר רַק הַתּוֹרָה הַזֹּאת. and nothing remains except this Torah.
וְהָשֵׁב שְׁבוּת Restore the captivity
אָהֳלֵי יַעֲקֹב. of the tents of Yaakov,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ לְמַֽעַן שְׁמֶֽךָ. and deliver us for the sake of Your Name.
אֶנְקַת מְסַלְּדֶֽיךָ. May the cry of those who praise You,
תַּֽעַל לִפְנֵי כִסֵּא כְבוֹדֶֽךָ. ascend to the throne of Your glory.
מַלֵּא מִשְׁאֲלוֹת Grant the requests
עַם מְיַחֲדֶֽךָ. of the people who proclaim Your Oneness,
שׁוֹמֵֽעַ תְּפִלַּת You Who hears the prayer
בָּאֵי עָדֶֽיךָ. of those who approach You.
יִשְׁרָאֵל נוֹשַׁע בַּיהֹוָה Yisrael will be delivered by Adonoy
תְּשׁוּעַת עוֹלָמִים. with everlasting deliverance.
גַּם הַיּוֹם יִוָּשְׁעוּ Even this day, may they be delivered
מִפִּֽיךָ by [the word of] Your mouth,
שׁוֹכֵן מְרוֹמִים. You Who dwells on high;
כִּי אַתָּה רַב סְלִיחוֹת for You are abundant in pardon,
וּבַֽעַל הָרַחֲמִים. and Master of [all] mercy.
יַחְבִּיאֵֽנוּ May He conceal us
צֵל יָדוֹ in the shelter of His hand—
תַּֽחַת כַּנְפֵי הַשְׁכִינָה. beneath the wings of His Divine Presence.
חֹן יָחֹן Be most gracious [with us]
כִּי יִבְחֹן לֵב עָקֹב when You search the crooked heart,
לְהָכִֽינָה. to prepare it [for repentance].
קֽוּמָה נָא אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ Arise, we beseech You, our God,
עֻזָּה עֻזִּי נָא. strengthen us, our Strength we beseech You;
יְהֹוָה לְשַׁוְעָתֵֽנוּ הַאֲזִֽינָה. Adonoy, give ear to our cry.
יַשְׁמִיעֵֽנוּ סָלַֽחְתִּי Let us hear [Your word] “I have pardoned,”
יוֹשֵׁב בְּסֵֽתֶר עֶלְיוֹן. You Who dwells in heavenly shelter.
בִּימִין יֶֽשַׁע With Your right hand of deliverance,
לְהִוָּשַׁע עַם עָנִי וְאֶבְיוֹן. deliver a poor and needy people.
בְּשַׁוְּעֵֽנוּ אֵלֶֽיךָ נוֹרָאוֹת When we cry to You in dread-fear,
בְּצֶֽדֶק תַּעֲנֵֽנוּ. answer us with righteousness.
יְהֹוָה הֱיֵה עוֹזֵר לָֽנוּ. Adonoy, be our help.
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה. Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן. אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם. Almighty, Merciful, Gracious, Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶאֱמֶת. and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים. for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וְפֶֽשַׁע וְחַטָּאָה. Endurer of iniquity, transgression and sin,
וְנַקֵּה. and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ. and take us for Your inheritence.”
אֶזְכְּרָה אֱלֹהִים וְאֶהֱמָֽיָה. I remember O God, and I moan
בִּרְאוֹתִי כָּל עִיר when I see every city
עַל תִּלָּהּ בְּנוּיָה. built on its site,
וְעִיר הָאֱלֹהִים and the city of God [Yerushalayim]
מֻשְׁפֶּֽלֶת עַד שְׁאוֹל תַּחְתִּיָּה. is humbled to the bottom of the pit;
וּבְכָל זֹאת אָֽנוּ לְיָהּ and yet we cleave to God,
וְעֵינֵֽינוּ לְיָהּ. and our eyes look to God.
Repeat Ad-noy, Ad-noy,
מִדַּת הָרַחֲמִים עָלֵֽינוּ הִתְגַּלְגְּלִי. Divine Mercy, intercede for us,
וְלִפְנֵי קוֹנֵךְ and before your Possessor,
תְּחִנָּתֵֽנוּ הַפִּילִי. present our supplication,
וּבְעַד עַמֵּךְ and on behalf of your people,
רַחֲמִים שַׁאֲלִי. plead for compassion;
כִּי כָל לֵבָב דַּוָּי for every heart is faint
וְכָל רֹאשׁ לָחֳלִי. and every head is ill.
Repeat Ad-noy, Ad-noy,
תָּמַֽכְתִּי יְתֵדוֹתַי I support myself
בִּשְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה תֵבוֹת. with the thirteen attributes [of God],
וּבְשַׁעֲרֵי דְמָעוֹת and rely on the gates of [penitent] tears,
כִּי לֹא נִשְׁלָבוֹת. which are never joined;23The gates of tears are never closed to the true Baal Teshuva, one who truly repents. His tears of penitence are accepted at all times by Hashem.
לָכֵן שָׁפַֽכְתִּי שִֽׂיחַ therfore, I have poured out my prayers,
פְּנֵי בוֹחֵן לִבּוֹת. before Him, Who searches hearts.
בָּטֽוּחַ אֲנִי בְּאֵֽלֶּה I trust in these,24“These” refer to the promise that the Thirteen Attributes of Hashem are not said in vain, and also to true tears of repentance.
וּבִזְכוּת שְׁלֹֽשֶׁת אָבוֹת. and in the merit of the three Patriarchs.
Repeat Ad-noy, Ad-noy,
יְהִי רָצוֹן לְפָנֶֽיךָ May it be Your will,
שׁוֹמֵעַ קוֹל בִּכְיוֹת. You Who hears the voice of weeping,
שֶׁתָּשִׂים דִּמְעוֹתֵֽינוּ that You place our tears
בְּנֹאדְךָ לִהְיוֹת. in Your skin-flask [of tears] for preservation;
וְתַצִּילֵֽנוּ מִכָּל גְּזֵרוֹת אַכְזָרִיּוֹת. and save us from all cruel decrees,
כִּי לְךָ לְבַד עֵינֵֽינוּ תְלוּיוֹת. for to You alone do our eyes focus.
Repeat Ad-noy, Ad-noy,
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ. with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty, Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity, and transgression,
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”
The following verses are said responsively:
רַחֵם נָא Have compassion, we beseech You, on the
קְהַל עֲדַת יְשֻׁרוּן. congregation of the community of Yeshurun;
סְלַח וּמְחַל עֲוֹנָם. pardon and forgive their inquity,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעֵֽנוּ. and deliver us, God of our deliverance.
שַׁעֲרֵי שָׁמַֽיִם פְּתַח. Open the gates of heaven,
וְאוֹצָרְךָ הַטּוֹב לָֽנוּ תִפְתַּח. and Your good treasure, open for us;
תּוֹשִֽׁיעַ וְרִיב אַל תִּמְתַּח. deliver us and do not extend dispute,
וְהוֹשִׁיעֵֽנוּ אֱלֹהֵי יִשְׁעֵֽנוּ. and deliver us, God of our deliverance.
אֵל מֶֽלֶךְ. Almighty! King!
יוֹשֵׁב עַל כִּסֵּא רַחֲמִים. Who sits on the throne of mercy,
מִתְנַהֵג בַּחֲסִידוּת. governs with kindness
מוֹחֵל עֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ. forgives the iniquities of His people.
מַעֲבִיר רִאשׁוֹן רִאשׁוֹן. He removes their sins one by one,
מַרְבֶּה מְחִילָה לְחַטָּאִים increasing forgiveness to sinners,
וּסְלִיחָה לְפוֹשְׁעִים. and pardon to transgressors.
עוֹשֶׂה צְדָקוֹת Acting righteously
עִם כָּל בָּשָׂר וָרֽוּחַ with all who are of flesh and spirit;
לֹא כְרָעָתָם not according to their wickedness
תִּגְמוֹל: does He repay them.
אֵל Almighty!
הוֹרֵיתָ לָנוּ לוֹמַר You instructed us to recite
שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the thirteen Divine attributes;
וּזְכָר לָֽנוּ הַיּוֹם and remember unto us this day
בְּרִית שְׁלשׁ עֶשְׂרֵה. the covenant of thirteen Divine attributes,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁהוֹדַֽעְתָּ as You made them known
לֶעָנָו מִקֶּֽדֶם. to the humble Moshe of old,
כְּמוֹ שֶׁכָּתוּב as it is written,
וַיֵּרֶד יְהֹוָה בֶּֽעָנָן “And Adonoy descended in the cloud,
וַיִּתְיַצֵּב עִמּוֹ שָׁם and stood with him there,
וַיִּקְרָא בְשֵׁם יְהֹוָה: and proclaimed the Name, Adonoy.
Congregation and Chazzan:
וַיַּֽעֲבֹר יְהֹוָה עַל פָּנָיו And Adonoy passed before him [Moshe],
וַיִּקְרָא: and proclaimed:
יְהֹוָה יְהֹוָה Adonoy, Adonoy,
אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן Almighty, Merciful, Gracious,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם Slow to Anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶֽאֱמֶת: and Abundant in Kindness, and Truth.
נֹצֵר חֶֽסֶד Keeper of kindness
לָאֲלָפִים for thousands of generations,
נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶֽשַׁע Endurer of iniquity, and transgression,
וְחַטָּאָה and sin;
וְנַקֵּה: and Acquitter of those who repent.
וְסָלַחְתָּ לַעֲוֹנֵֽנוּ וּלְחַטָּאתֵֽנוּ “And pardon our iniquity and our sin,
וּנְחַלְתָּֽנוּ: and take us for Your inheritance.”
סְלַח לָֽנוּ אָבִֽינוּ כִּי חָטָֽאנוּ. Pardon us our Father, for we have sinned,
מְחַל לָֽנוּ מַלְכֵּֽנוּ כִּי פָשָֽׁעְנוּ: forgive us our King, for we have transgressed.
כִּי אַתָּה אֲדֹנָי “For You, my Master,
טוֹב וְסַלָּח are good and forgiving,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד and abounding in kindness
לְכָל קֹרְאֶֽיךָ: to all who call upon You.”
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ. Our God and God of our fathers!
סְלַח לָֽנוּ. מְחַל לָֽנוּ. כַּפֶּר לָֽנוּ: Pardon us, forgive us, atone for us.
Chazzan and congregation responsively:
כִּי אָֽנוּ עַמֶּֽךָ וְאַתָּה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ. For we are Your people; and You are our God.
אָֽנוּ בָנֶֽיךָ וְאַתָּה אָבִֽינוּ: We are Your children; and You are our Father.
אָֽנוּ עֲבָדֶֽיךָ וְאַתָּה אֲדוֹנֵֽנוּ. We are Your servants; and You are our Master.
אָֽנוּ קְהָלֶֽךָ We are Your congregation;
וְאַתָּה חֶלְקֵֽנוּ: and You are our Portion.
אָֽנוּ נַחֲלָתֶֽךָ We are Your inheritance;
וְאַתָּה גוֹרָלֵֽנוּ. and You are our Destiny.
אָֽנוּ צֹאנֶֽךָ וְאַתָּה רוֹעֵֽנוּ: We are Your flock; and You are our Shepherd.
אָֽנוּ כַרְמֶּֽךָ וְאַתָּה נוֹטְרֵֽנוּ. We are Your vineyard; and You are our Keeper.
אָֽנוּ פְעֻלָּתֶֽךָ וְאַתָּה יוֹצְרֵֽנוּ: We are Your work; and You are our Creator.
אָֽנוּ רַעְיָתֶֽךָ We are Your dear ones
וְאַתָּה דוֹדֵֽנוּ. and You are our Beloved.
אָֽנוּ סְגֻלָּתֶךָ וְאַתָּה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ. We are Your treasure; and You are our God.
אָֽנוּ עַמֶּֽךָ וְאַתָּה מַלְכֵּֽנוּ: We are Your people; and You are our King.
אָֽנוּ מַאֲמִירֶֽיךָ We are Your distinguished ones;
וְאַתָּה מַאֲמִירֵֽנוּ: and You are our Distinction.
אָֽנוּ עַזֵּי פָנִים We are brazen-faced;
וְאַתָּה רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן. and You are merciful and gracious.
אָֽנוּ קְשֵׁי עֹֽרֶף We are stiff-necked;
וְאַתָּה אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם. and You are slow to anger.
אָֽנוּ מְלֵאֵי עָוֹן We are full of iniquity;
וְאַתָּה מָלֵא רַחֲמִים. and You are full of compassion.
אָֽנוּ יָמֵֽינוּ כְּצֵל עוֹבֵר Our days are like a passing shadow;
וְאַתָּה הוּא and You are the same
וּשְׁנוֹתֶֽיךָ לֹא יִתָּֽמּוּ: and Your years will not end.
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ Our God and God of our fathers,
תָּבֹא לְפָנֶֽיךָ תְּפִלָּתֵֽנוּ, let our prayer come before you
וְאַל תִּתְעַלַּם מִתְּחִנָּתֵֽנוּ and do not ignore our supplication.
שֶׁאֵין אֲנַֽחְנוּ עַזֵּי פָנִים For we are not so brazen-faced
וּקְשֵׁי עֹֽרֶף and stiff-necked
לוֹמַר לְפָנֶֽיךָ to say to you,
יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ Adonoy, our God, and God of our fathers,
צַדִּיקִים אֲנַֽחְנוּ וְלֹא חָטָֽאנוּ “We are righteous and have not sinned.”
אֲבָל אֲנַֽחְנוּ וַאֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ חָטָֽאנוּ: But, indeed, we and our fathers have sinned.
אָשַֽׁמְנוּ. We have trespassed [against God and man, and we are devastated by our guilt];
בָּגַֽדְנוּ. We have betrayed [God and man, we have been ungrateful for the good done to us];
גָּזַֽלְנוּ. דִּבַּֽרְנוּ דֹּֽפִי. We have stolen; We have slandered.
הֶעֱוִֽינוּ. We have caused others to sin;
וְהִרְשַֽׁעְנוּ. We have caused others to commit sins for which they are called רְשָׁעִים, wicked;
זַֽדְנוּ. We have sinned with malicious intent;
חָמַֽסְנוּ. We have forcibly taken others' possessions even though we paid for them;
טָפַֽלְנוּ שֶֽׁקֶר. We have added falsehood upon falsehood; We have joined with evil individuals or groups;
יָעַֽצְנוּ רָע. We have given harmful advice;
כִּזַּֽבְנוּ. לַֽצְנוּ. We have deceived; we have mocked;
מָרַֽדְנוּ. We have rebelled against God and His Torah;
נִאַֽצְנוּ. We have caused God to be angry with us;
סָרַֽרְנוּ. We have turned away from God's Torah;
עָוִֽינוּ. We have sinned deliberately;
פָּשַֽׁעְנוּ. We have been negligent in our performance of the commandments;
צָרַֽרְנוּ. We have caused our friends grief;
קִשִּֽׁינוּ עֹֽרֶף. We have been stiff-necked, refusing to admit that our suffering is caused by our own sins.
רָשַֽׁעְנוּ. We have committed sins for which we are called רָשָׁע, [raising a hand to hit someone].
שִׁחַֽתְנוּ. We have committed sins which are the result of moral corruption;
תִּעַֽבְנוּ. We have committed sins which the Torah refers to as abominations;
תָּעִֽינוּ. We have gone astray;
תִּעְתָּֽעְנוּ: We have led others astray.
סַֽרְנוּ We have turned away
מִמִּצְוֹתֶֽיךָ from Your commandments
וּמִמִּשְׁפָּטֶֽיךָ הַטּוֹבִים and from Your good laws,
וְלֹא שָֽׁוָה לָֽנוּ. and we have gained nothing from it.
וְאַתָּה צַדִּיק And You are the Righteous One
עַל כָּל הַבָּא עָלֵֽינוּ. in all [punishment] that has come upon us;
כִּי אֱמֶת עָשִֽׂיתָ for You have acted truthfully
וַאֲנַֽחְנוּ הִרְשָֽׁעְנוּ: and we have acted wickedly.
מַה נֹּאמַר לְפָנֶֽיךָ What shall we say before You,
יוֹשֵׁב מָרוֹם. Who dwells on high;
וּמַה נְּסַפֵּר לְפָנֶֽיךָ and what shall we relate to You
שׁוֹכֵן שְׁחָקִים. Who dwells in the heavens?
הֲלֹא כָּל הַנִּסְתָּרוֹת וְהַנִּגְלוֹת For everything, both hidden and revealed,
אַתָּה יוֹדֵֽעַ: You know.
אַתָּה נוֹתֵן יָד לַפּוֹשְׁעִים, You reach out Your hand to transgressors,
וִימִינְךָ פְשׁוּטָה and Your right hand is extended
לְקַבֵּל שָׁבִים. to receive those who [truly] repent.
וַתְּלַמְּדֵֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ You have taught us, Adonoy, our God,
לְהִתְוַדּוֹת לְפָנֶֽיךָ to confess before You
עַל כָּל עֲוֹנוֹתֵֽינוּ, all our iniquities
לְמַֽעַן נֶחְדַּל so that we may refrain
מֵעֽשֶׁק יָדֵֽינוּ, from the injustice of our hands;
וּתְקַבְּלֵֽנוּ so that You will accept us
בִּתְשׁוּבָה שְׁלֵמָה לְפָנֶֽיךָ in perfect repentance before You, [as You would accept]
כְּאִשִּׁים וּכְנִיחוֹחִים fire-offerings and sweet savours,
לְמַֽעַן דְּבָרֶֽיךָ for the sake of Your word
אֲשֶׁר אָמָֽרְתָּ: which You spoke.
אֵין קֵץ לְאִשֵּׁי There is no end to the fire-offerings
חוֹבוֹתֵֽינוּ, required [to atone] for our faults,
וְאֵין מִסְפָּר לְנִיחוֹחֵי and there is no number for the sacrifices,
אַשְׁמָתֵֽנוּ. required [to atone] for our guilt.
וְאַתָּה יוֹדֵֽעַ But You know
שֶׁאַחֲרִיתֵֽנוּ רִמָּה וְתוֹלֵעָה, that our ultimate end is the worm,
לְפִיכָךְ and therefore
הִרְבֵּֽיתָ סְלִיחָתֵֽנוּ. You have increased the means of our pardon.
מָה אָֽנוּ. מֶה חַיֵּֽינוּ. What are we? What is our life?
מֶה חַסְדֵּֽנוּ. What are our acts of kindness?
מַה צִּדְקֵֽנוּ. What is our righteousness?
מַה יְּשׁוּעָתֵֽנוּ. What is our deliverance?
מַה כֹּחֵֽנוּ. מַה גְּבוּרָתֵֽנוּ. What is our strength? What is our might?
מַה נֹּאמַר לְפָנֶֽיךָ What can we say before You,
יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ Adonoy, our God and God of our fathers?
הֲלֹא כָּל הַגִּבּוֹרִים Are not all the mighty men
כְּאַֽיִן לְפָנֶֽיךָ as nothing before You?
וְאַנְשֵׁי הַשֵּׁם כְּלֹא הָיוּ Famous men as though they had never been?
וַחֲכָמִים כִּבְלִי מַדָּע The wise as if they were without knowledge?
וּנְבוֹנִים And men of understanding
כִּבְלִי הַשְׂכֵּל as if they were devoid of intelligence?
כִּי רֹב מַעֲשֵׂיהֶם תֹּֽהוּ For most of their actions are a waste
וִימֵי חַיֵּיהֶם and the days of their life
הֶֽבֶל לְפָנֶֽיךָ. are trivial in Your presence.
וּמוֹתַר הָאָדָם מִן הַבְּהֵמָה The superiority of man over the beast
אָֽיִן is nil
כִּי הַכֹּל הָֽבֶל. for all is futile.
אַתָּה הִבְדַּֽלְתָּ אֱנוֹשׁ [Nevertheless], You have set man apart
מֵרֹאשׁ, from the beginning,
וַתַּכִּירֵֽהוּ and recognized him [as worthy]
לַעֲמוֹד לְפָנֶֽיךָ. to stand before You.
כִּי מִי יֹאמַר לְךָ For who could tell You
מַה תִּפְעַל, what You should do,
וְאִם יִצְדַּק and even if he be righteous,
מַה יִּתֶּן־לָךְ: what [benefit] does he give You?
וַתִּתֶּן לָֽנוּ יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ And You, Adonoy, our God, gave us
בְּאַהֲבָה אֶת יוֹם with love, this Day
On Shabbos the Chazzan adds:
(הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה וְאֶת יוֹם) of Shabbos, and this Day)
צוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים הַזֶּה, of Atonement
קֵץ to be the end [of sin]
וּמְחִילָה וּסְלִיחָה forgiveness, and pardon
עַל כָּל עֲוֹנוֹתֵֽינוּ for all our iniquities,
לְמַֽעַן נֶחְדַּל so that we may refrain
מֵעֽשֶׁק יָדֵֽנוּ, from the injustice of our hands;
וְנָשׁוּב אֵלֶֽיךָ and return to You,
לַעֲשׂוֹת חֻקֵּי רְצוֹנְךָ to fulfill the statutes of Your will
בְּלֵבָב שָׁלֵם: with a perfect heart.
וְאַתָּה בְּרַחֲמֶֽיךָ הָרַבִּים And You in Your abundant mercy,
רַחֵם עָלֵֽינוּ, have compassion on us,
כִּי לֹא תַחְפּוֹץ for You do not desire
בְּהַשְׁחָתַת עוֹלָם. the destruction of the world;
שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר as it is stated:
דִּרְשׁוּ יְהֹוָה בְּהִמָּצְאוֹ, “Seek Adonoy while He may be found,
קְרָאֻֽהוּ בִּהְיוֹתוֹ קָרוֹב: call to Him while He is near.”
וְנֶאֱמַר And it is said:
יַעֲזֹב רָשָׁע דַּרְכּוֹ, “Let the wicked abandon his way,
וְאִישׁ אָֽוֶן מַחְשְׁבֹתָיו, and the man of iniquity his thoughts,
וְיָשֹׁב אֶל יְהֹוָה and let him return to Adonoy
וִירַחֲמֵֽהוּ, and He will have compassion on him,
וְאֶל אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ כִּי יַרְבֶּה לִסְלֽוֹחַ: and to our God, for He pardons abundantly.”
וְאַתָּה אֱלֽוֹהַּ סְלִיחוֹת And You, God of pardon,
חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם, are gracious and compassionate,
אֶֽרֶךְ אַפַּֽיִם slow to anger,
וְרַב חֶֽסֶד וֶאֱמֶת, abundant in kindness and truth,
וּמַרְבֶּה לְהֵיטִיב. and abounding in goodness.
וְרוֹצֶה אַתָּה בִּתְשׁוּבַת רְשָׁעִים You want the repentance of the wicked,
וְאֵין אַתָּה חָפֵץ בְּמִיתָתָם. and do not desire their death.
שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר As it is stated:
אֱמֹר אֲלֵיהֶם חַי אָֽנִי “Say to them, as truly as I live,
נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יֱהֹוִה, declares the Master, Adonoy,
אִם אֶחְפֹּץ I have no desire
בְּמוֹת הָרָשָׁע for the death of the wicked,
כִּי אִם בְּשׁוּב רָשָׁע but only that the wicked return
מִדַּרְכּוֹ וְחָיָה. from his [evil] path and live;
וְנֶאֱמַר And it is said,
שֽׁוּבוּ שֽׁוּבוּ מִדַּרְכֵיכֶם הָרָעִים “Return, return, from your evil ways,
וְלָֽמָּה תָמֽוּתוּ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל: why should you die House of Yisrael?”
וְנֶאֱמַר And it is said,
הֶחָפֹץ אֶחְפֹּץ מוֹת רָשָׁע “Do I desire the death of the wicked?
נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יֱהֹוִה, declares the Master, Adonoy; [I desire rather]
הֲלֹא בְּשׁוּבוֹ מִדְּרָכָיו that he return from his [evil] way
וְחָיָה: and live.”
וְנֶאֱמַר כִּי לֹא אֶחְפֹּץ And it is said: “For I do not desire
בְּמוֹת הַמֵּת the death of him who deserves death,
נְאֻם אֲדֹנָי יֱהֹוִה. declares the Master, Adonoy;
וְהָשִֽׁיבוּ וִחְיוּ: [therefore] return and live.”
כִּי אַתָּה סָלְחָן לְיִשְׂרָאֵל For You are the Pardoner of Yisrael,
וּמָחֳלָן and the Forgiver
לְשִׁבְטֵי יְשֻׁרוּן of the tribes of Yeshurun
בְּכָל דּוֹר וָדוֹר in every generation;
וּמִבַּלְעָדֶֽיךָ and besides You
אֵין לָֽנוּ מֶֽלֶךְ מוֹחֵל וְסוֹלֵֽחַ we have no King Who forgives and pardons
אֶלָּא אָֽתָּה: only You.
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ. Our God and God of our fathers,
מְחֹל לַעֲוֹנוֹתֵֽינוּ forgive our iniquities
On Shabbos add:
(בְּיוֹם הַשַּׁבָּת הַזֶּה וּ) (on this Shabbos day, and)
בְּיוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים הַזֶּה. on this Day of Atonement.
מְחֵה וְהַעֲבֵר Blot out and remove
פְּשָׁעֵֽינוּ וְחַטֹּאתֵֽינוּ our transgressions and sins
מִנֶּֽגֶד עֵינֶֽיךָ. כָּאָמוּר from before Your eyes, as it is said:
אָנֹכִי אָנֹכִי הוּא “I, I [alone] am He
מוֹחֶה פְשָׁעֶֽיךָ Who blots out your transgressions
לְמַעֲנִי for My own sake;
וְחַטֹּאתֶֽיךָ לֹא אֶזְכֹּר: and your sins, I will not recall.”
וְנֶאֱמַר And it is said,
מָחִֽיתִי כָעָב “I have swept away like a thick cloud
פְּשָׁעֶֽיךָ your transgressions,
וְכֶעָנָן חַטֹּאתֶֽיךָ and like a mist your sins;
שׁוּבָה אֵלַי כִּי גְאַלְתִּֽיךָ: return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
וְנֶאֱמַר And it is said,
כִּי בַיּוֹם הַזֶּה “For on this day
יְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם He will make atonement for you,
לְטַהֵר אֶתְכֶם to cleanse you;
מִכֹּל חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם from all your sins,
לִפְנֵי יְהֹוָה תִּטְהָֽרוּ: before Adonoy, you will be cleansed.”
On Shabbos add:
(אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ (Our God and God of our fathers,
רְצֵה בִמְנוּחָתֵֽנוּ) be pleased with our rest)
קַדְּשֵֽׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶֽיךָ Sanctify us with Your commandments
וְתֵן חֶלְקֵֽנוּ בְּתוֹרָתֶֽךָ and give us our share in Your Torah;
שַׂבְּעֵֽנוּ מִטּוּבֶֽךָ satisfy us from Your goodness
וְשַׂמְּחֵֽנוּ בִּישׁוּעָתֶֽךָ: and gladden us with Your deliverance,
On Shabbos add:
(וְהַנְחִילֵֽנוּ (And give us as our inheritance
יְהֹוָה אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ Adonoy our God
בְּאַהֲבָה וּבְרָצוֹן with love and with pleasure
שַׁבַּת קָדְשֶֽׁךָ Your holy Sabbath;
וְיָנֽוּחוּ בוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל and may Yisrael rest thereon—
מְקַדְּשֵׁי שְׁמֶֽךָ) [they who are] sanctifiers of Your Name)
וְטַהֵר לִבֵּֽנוּ לְעָבְדְּךָ בֶּאֱמֶת and purify our hearts to serve You in truth,
כִּי אַתָּה סָלְחָן לְיִשְׂרָאֵל For You are the Pardoner of Yisrael,
וּמָחֳלָן לְשִׁבְטֵי יְשֻׁרוּן and the Forgiver of the tribes of Yeshurun
בְּכָל דּוֹר וָדוֹר in every generation,
וּמִבַּלְעָדֶֽיךָ אֵין לָֽנוּ and beside You,
מֶֽלֶךְ מוֹחֵל וְסוֹלֵֽחַ we have no king who forgives and pardons,
אֶלָּא אָֽתָּה: only You!
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהֹוָה Blessed are You,
מֶֽלֶךְ מוֹחֵל וְסוֹלֵֽחַ King Who forgives and pardons
לַעֲוֹנוֹתֵֽינוּ our iniquities,
וְלַעֲוֹנוֹת עַמּוֹ and the iniquities of His people,
בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל. the House of Yisrael;
וּמַעֲבִיר אַשְׁמוֹתֵֽינוּ and Who removes our trespasses
בְּכָל שָׁנָה וְשָׁנָה. each year;
מֶֽלֶךְ עַל כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ King over the whole earth,
מְקַדֵּשׁ Sanctifier
On Shabbos add:
(הַשַּׁבָּת וְ) (of the Shabbos and)
יִשְׂרָאֵל וְיוֹם הַכִּפֻּרִים: of Yisrael and the Day of Atonement.