Adon Olam 4
Now that we have provided the outline of this powerful tefilah, with which we begin and end our day, we present the line-by-line translation and explanation of Adon Olam from the Pathway to Prayer Siddur by HaRav Mayer Birnbaum shlita. We have previously noted the uniqueness of this great siddur and how it provides so much more than basic translations. Additionally, it is very easy on the eye to glance, line by line, at the brief but clear explanations. This siddur sold out, but I am told that there are more on the way from a new printing.
As you study and recite this beautiful tefilah, please note the contrast between the first half and the second half. The first half focuses on Hashem being the One and only eternal and timeless Master of the universe. The second half then stresses our personal and close relationship, as well as affirming our emunah and bitachon. Consider pausing to reflect on the fact that the Master of the entire universe is my personal G-d and cares about me more than any human being. When Hashem is with me – when we allow Hashem in and rely on Him exclusively – then there is nothing for us to fear. What a beautiful and powerful way to begin and end our day!
אֲדוֹן עוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר מָלַךְ, בְּטֶרֶם כָּל יְצִיר נִבְרָא
Master of the universe, Who reigned before any form was created,
לְעֵת נַעֲשָׂה בְחֶפְצוֹ כֹּל, אֲזַי מֶלֶךְ שְׁמוֹ נִקְרָא
[and] at the time when everything was made by His will, then His name was proclaimed as “King” (by all creations).
וְאַחֲרֵי כִּכְלוֹת הַכֹּל, לְבַדּוֹ יִמְלוֹךְ נוֹרָא
And after all things will cease to exist, the Awesome One will reign alone.
וְהוּא הָיָה וְהוּא הֹוֶה, וְהוּא יִהְיֶה בְּתִפְאָרָה
And it is He Who was, and He Who is, and He Who will be, in glory.
וְהוּא אֶחָד וְאֵין שֵׁנִי, לְהַמְשִׁיל לוֹ לְהַחְבִּירָה
And He is One, and there is no second to compare to Him or to join Him (as an equal).
בְּלִי רֵאשִׁית בְּלִי תַכְלִית, וְלוֹ הָעֹז וְהַמִּשְׂרָה
He has no beginning [and] no end, and the power and the dominion (of the entire world) is His.
וְהוּא אֵ-לִי וְחַי גּוֹאֲלִי, וְצוּר חֶבְלִי בְּעֵת צָרָה
And He is my G-d and my living Redeemer (Who cares about me the most), and the Rock Who gives me strength to endure my pain in the time of trouble.
וְהוּא נִסִּי וּמָנוֹס לִי, מְנָת כּוֹסִי בְּיוֹם אֶקְרָא
And He is my banner (that I rely on) and my refuge (to Whom I run to seek shelter), He is my portion [to save me] on the day I call [to Him].
בְּיָדוֹ אַפְקִיד רוּחִי, בְּעֵת אִישָׁן וְאָעִירָה
Into His hand I entrust my spirit (neshamah) when I sleep and I [am confident that I will] awaken.
וְעִם רוּחִי גְוִיָּתִי, ה' לִי וְלֹא אִירָא
And also when my spirit is with my body (that is, when I am awake), Hashem is with me and I shall not fear.
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The above translation, from the Pathway to Prayer Siddur, is reproduced with permission from the author, HaRav Mayer Birnbaum.