אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ
avinu
Religious / SynagogueMeaningA name for God used in Jewish prayers, meaning "Our Father, Our King". People say this to show they see God as both a loving parent and a powerful ruler.
HistoryThis phrase is very old and comes from Jewish prayer books. It is a main part of the prayers for Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The words show two ways people think about God: as a close and loving father, and also as a powerful king who judges the world.
Example
ביום כיפור, כולם שרים "אבינו מלכנו" ביחד בבית הכנסת.
On Yom Kippur, everyone sings "Avinu Malkeinu" together in the synagogue.