The prayer Hayom is a congregational favorite for a variety of reasons. First, it signals that we are coming to the close of long Rosh Hashanah services. Second, it almost always has a joyful, upbeat melody. Third, everyone wonders how in the world Cantor Rockman will fit the melody to the outrageous sixth line, which is twice as long as all the others.

With the exception of Kol Nidrei, there is probably no prayer recited on the High Holy Days more familiar than Avinu Malkeynu, “Our Father, our King.” Although the text varies in different machzorim, the prayer is a manifold series of requests, including requests for material benefits, as well as life, health and safety, in addition to forgiveness and compassion in the coming year.

We refer to the idea that G-d is King in [...]

A number of very formal poems, called piyyutim, are added to the Amidot of the High Holy Days. Often, they come in the form of alphabetical acrostics (like the Ashrei) with each verse beginning with another letter of the Hebrew alphabet.

During the 10 Days of Penitence from Rosh Hashanah through Yom Kippur, there are a number of additions and changes to the Amidah. These reflect the themes of this time period—G-d as king and judge, who determines our fate for the coming year.