Israel Matzav

Overnight music video

This is a musical rendition of the most moving prayer of the entire Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur services, which became very popular (was played on the radio here constantly) starting around 1996. The prayer is known as U'Netane Tokef (or U'Nesane Tokef). A link to the text of the prayer (in English) and a link to the story of its author - which is also very moving - appear after the video.

Let's go to the videotape.



Here is the story of Rabbi Amnon of Mainz, the author of the prayer, who was killed sanctifying God's name. An English translation of the full prayer is here.

I have to tell you a personal story. Around the time this song became popular in Israel, our family was going through a crisis. Many times, I got into the car and drove around listening to this song on the radio and cried.... Thank God, we got through it.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 4:31 AM