Yom Kippur — יוֹם כִּפּוּר, Yom Kippur, “Day of Atonement” — is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Its liturgy centers on teshuvah (repentance), vidui (confession), forgiveness, purification, divine mercy, and sealing in the Book of Life.

Yom Kippur is unique because it contains five prayer services:

The Five Prayer Services of Yom Kippur

Service	Hebrew	Meaning
Evening	מַעֲרִיב — Ma’ariv	Evening Prayer
Morning	שַׁחֲרִית — Shacharit	Morning Prayer
Additional	מוּסָף — Musaf	Additional Temple Prayer
Afternoon	מִנְחָה — Minchah	Afternoon Prayer
Closing	נְעִילָה — Ne’ilah	Closing Prayer

1. Kol Nidrei — כָּל נִדְרֵי

Kol Nidrei opens the Yom Kippur evening service.

Hebrew

כָּל נִדְרֵי וֶאֱסָרֵי וּשְׁבוּעֵי וַחֲרָמֵי וְקוֹנָמֵי וְכִנּוּיֵי וְקִנּוּסֵי וּשְׁבוּעוֹת דִּנְדַרְנָא וּדְאִשְׁתַּבַּעְנָא...

Transliteration

Kol nidrei ve’esarei, ushvu’ei vacharamei, v’konamei v’chinuyei, v’kinusei ushvu’ot dindarna ud’ishtaba’na...

Translation

All vows, prohibitions, oaths, consecrations, and pledges that we may make or undertake...

Kol Nidrei is fundamentally a solemn declaration concerning vows and commitments. It introduces Yom Kippur with a consciousness of humility before HaShem.

2. Shehecheyanu

Hebrew

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָנוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמַן הַזֶּה.

Transliteration

Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, shehecheyanu v’kiy’manu v’higianu lazman hazeh.

Translation

Blessed are You, HaShem our God, King of the universe, who has kept us alive, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this season.

3. Zochreinu L’Chayim

Recited in the Amidah during the Ten Days of Repentance.

Hebrew

זָכְרֵנוּ לְחַיִּים, מֶלֶךְ חָפֵץ בַּחַיִּים, וְכָתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר הַחַיִּים, לְמַעַנְךָ אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים.

Transliteration

Zochreinu l’chayim, Melech chafetz bachayim, v’chotveinu b’sefer hachayim, l’ma’ancha Elohim chayim.

Translation

Remember us for life, O King who desires life, and inscribe us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, O living God.

4. HaMelech HaKadosh

Hebrew

הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ

Transliteration

HaMelech HaKadosh

Translation

The Holy King

During the Ten Days of Repentance, this replaces the usual phrase Ha-El HaKadosh.

5. Vidui — Confession

The confession is one of the central elements of Yom Kippur.
Two major forms are recited:
Ashamnu — short alphabetical confession
Al Chet — extended confession

6. Ashamnu — אָשַׁמְנוּ

Hebrew

אָשַׁמְנוּ, בָּגַדְנוּ, גָּזַלְנוּ, דִּבַּרְנוּ דֹפִי.

Transliteration

Ashamnu, bagadnu, gazalnu, dibarnu dofi.

Translation

We have been guilty; we have betrayed; we have robbed; we have spoken slander.

Hebrew

הֶעֱוִינוּ, וְהִרְשַׁעְנוּ, זַדְנוּ, חָמַסְנוּ, טָפַלְנוּ שֶׁקֶר.

Transliteration

He’evinu, v’hirshanu, zadnu, chamasnu, tafalnu sheker.

Translation

We have acted perversely; we have acted wickedly; we have acted presumptuously; we have committed violence; we have falsely accused.

Hebrew

יָעַצְנוּ רָע, כִּזַּבְנוּ, לַצְנוּ, מָרַדְנוּ.

Transliteration

Ya’atznu ra, kizavnu, latznu, maradnu.

Translation

We have given evil counsel; we have lied; we have mocked; we have rebelled.

Hebrew

נִאַץְנוּ, סָרַרְנוּ, עָוִינוּ, פָּשַׁעְנוּ.

Transliteration

Ni’atznu, sararnu, avinu, pashanu.

Translation

We have provoked; we have turned away; we have committed iniquity; we have transgressed.

Hebrew

צָרַרְנוּ, קִשִּׁינוּ עֹרֶף, רָשַׁעְנוּ, שִׁחַתְנוּ, תִּעַבְנוּ, תָּעִינוּ, תִּעְתָּעְנוּ.

Transliteration

Tzararnu, kishinu oref, rashanu, shichatnu, ti’avnu, ta’inu, titanu.

Translation

We have oppressed; we have been stiff-necked; we have acted wickedly; we have corrupted ourselves; we have acted abominably; we have strayed; we have led others astray.

The confession is spoken in the plural — “we have sinned” — expressing the collective responsibility of Israel.

7. Al Chet — עַל חֵטְא

Hebrew

עַל חֵטְא שֶׁחָטָאנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ בְּאֹנֶס וּבְרָצוֹן.

Transliteration

Al chet shechatanu l’fanecha b’ones uv’ratzon.

Translation

For the sin we have committed before You under compulsion or willingly.

Hebrew

וְעַל חֵטְא שֶׁחָטָאנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ בְּאִמּוּץ הַלֵּב.

Transliteration

V’al chet shechatanu l’fanecha b’imutz halev.

Translation

And for the sin we have committed before You through hardness of heart.

The refrain is:

Hebrew

וְעַל כֻּלָּם אֱלוֹהַּ סְלִיחוֹת, סְלַח לָנוּ, מְחַל לָנוּ, כַּפֶּר לָנוּ.

Transliteration

V’al kulam Elo’ah selichot, selach lanu, mechal lanu, kaper lanu.

Translation

For all these, God of forgiveness, forgive us, pardon us, grant us atonement.

8. Selach Lanu — Forgive Us

Hebrew

סְלַח לָנוּ אָבִינוּ כִּי חָטָאנוּ, מְחַל לָנוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ כִּי פָשָׁעְנוּ.

Transliteration

Selach lanu Avinu ki chatanu, mechal lanu Malkeinu ki pashanu.

Translation

Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us, our King, for we have transgressed.

9. Avinu Malkeinu — Our Father, Our King

Hebrew

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חָטָאנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ.

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, chatanu l’fanecha.

Translation

Our Father, our King, we have sinned before You.

Hebrew

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, אֵין לָנוּ מֶלֶךְ אֶלָּא אָתָּה.

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, ein lanu Melech ella Atah.

Translation

Our Father, our King, we have no King except You.

Hebrew

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר חַיִּים טוֹבִים.

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu b’sefer chayim tovim.

Translation

Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the Book of a good life.

Hebrew

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חָנֵּנוּ וַעֲנֵנוּ כִּי אֵין בָּנוּ מַעֲשִׂים.

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, choneinu va’aneinu, ki ein banu ma’asim.

Translation

Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, for we have no deeds upon which to rely.

Hebrew

עֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ צְדָקָה וָחֶסֶד וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ.

Transliteration

Aseh imanu tzedakah va’chesed v’hoshi’einu.

Translation

Deal with us through righteousness and lovingkindness and save us.

10. The Thirteen Attributes of Mercy

One of the most important passages in the Yom Kippur Selichot.

Hebrew

יְיָ יְיָ אֵל רַחוּם וְחַנּוּן, אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם וְרַב חֶסֶד וֶאֱמֶת.

Transliteration

Adonai, Adonai, El rachum v’chanun, erech apayim v’rav chesed ve’emet.

Translation

HaShem, HaShem, God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in kindness and truth.

Hebrew

נֹצֵר חֶסֶד לָאֲלָפִים, נֹשֵׂא עָוֹן וָפֶשַׁע וְחַטָּאָה וְנַקֵּה.

Transliteration

Notzer chesed la’alafim, nosei avon vafesha v’chata’ah v’nakeh.

Translation

Preserving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, and cleansing.

— Exodus 34:6–7

11. Ki Anu Amecha

Hebrew

כִּי אָנוּ עַמֶּךָ וְאַתָּה אֱלֹהֵינוּ.

Transliteration

Ki anu amecha v’Atah Eloheinu.

Translation

For we are Your people and You are our God.

Hebrew

אָנוּ בָנֶיךָ וְאַתָּה אָבִינוּ.

Transliteration

Anu vanecha v’Atah Avinu.

Translation

We are Your children and You are our Father.

Hebrew

אָנוּ עֲבָדֶיךָ וְאַתָּה אֲדוֹנֵנוּ.

Transliteration

Anu avadecha v’Atah Adoneinu.

Translation

We are Your servants and You are our Master.

This prayer describes the many dimensions of the covenantal relationship between Israel and HaShem.

12. Unetaneh Tokef

Recited during the High Holy Day Musaf.

Hebrew

וּנְתַנֶּה תֹּקֶף קְדֻשַּׁת הַיּוֹם, כִּי הוּא נוֹרָא וְאָיוֹם.

Transliteration

Unetaneh tokef kedushat hayom, ki hu nora v’ayom.

Translation

Let us proclaim the awesome holiness of this day, for it is awe-inspiring and solemn.

Hebrew

בְּרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָה יִכָּתֵבוּן, וּבְיוֹם צוֹם כִּפּוּר יֵחָתֵמוּן.

Transliteration

B’Rosh Hashanah yikateivun, u’v’Yom Tzom Kippur yeichateimun.

Translation

On Rosh Hashanah it is written, and on the fast of Yom Kippur it is sealed.

The great response follows:

Hebrew

וּתְשׁוּבָה וּתְפִלָּה וּצְדָקָה מַעֲבִירִין אֶת רֹעַ הַגְּזֵרָה.

Transliteration

U’teshuvah, u’tefillah, u’tzedakah ma’avirin et ro’a hagezeirah.

Translation

Repentance, prayer, and charity avert the severity of the decree.

13. Musaf — Avodah Service

One of the most distinctive parts of Yom Kippur Musaf is the remembrance of the service of the Kohen Gadol — High Priest in the Temple.
A famous declaration is:

Hebrew

אָנָּא הַשֵּׁם, כִּפֶּר נָא לַחֲטָאִים וְלָעֲוֹנוֹת וְלַפְּשָׁעִים.

Transliteration

Ana HaShem, kaper na lachata’im vela’avonot velapsha’im.

Translation

Please, HaShem, grant atonement for the sins, iniquities, and transgressions.

The congregation remembers how the High Priest pronounced the Divine Name in the Temple.

14. Baruch Shem Kevod

Hebrew

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

Transliteration

Baruch Shem kevod malchuto l’olam va’ed.

Translation

Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.

On Yom Kippur this is traditionally recited aloud, unlike during the rest of the year.

15. Minchah — Book of Jonah

During the Yom Kippur afternoon service, the Book of Jonah is read.
Its central message is teshuvah.

Hebrew

וַיַּרְא הָאֱלֹהִים אֶת מַעֲשֵׂיהֶם כִּי שָׁבוּ מִדַּרְכָּם הָרָעָה.

Transliteration

Vayar ha’Elohim et ma’aseihem ki shavu midarkam hara’ah.

Translation

God saw their deeds, that they had turned from their evil way.

— Jonah 3:10

The sages emphasize that the verse says God saw their deeds, not merely their fasting or words. True teshuvah must transform conduct.

16. Ne’ilah — The Closing Service

Ne’ilah — נְעִילָה means “closing” or “locking.”
It represents the final spiritual moments of Yom Kippur as the day draws to its conclusion.
During Ne’ilah, the language changes from “inscribe us” to “seal us.”

Hebrew

חָתְמֵנוּ לְחַיִּים.

Transliteration

Chatmeinu l’chayim.

Translation

Seal us for life.

17. Petach Lanu Sha’ar — Open the Gate

Hebrew

פְּתַח לָנוּ שַׁעַר בְּעֵת נְעִילַת שַׁעַר, כִּי פָנָה יוֹם.

Transliteration

Petach lanu sha’ar b’et ne’ilat sha’ar, ki fanah yom.

Translation

Open the gate for us at the time when the gate is closing, for the day is ending.

This is one of the defining spiritual images of Ne’ilah.

18. Final Avinu Malkeinu

Near the conclusion of Ne’ilah:

Hebrew

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חָנֵּנוּ וַעֲנֵנוּ כִּי אֵין בָּנוּ מַעֲשִׂים.

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, choneinu va’aneinu, ki ein banu ma’asim.

Translation

Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, for we have no deeds upon which to rely.

Hebrew

עֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ צְדָקָה וָחֶסֶד וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ.

Transliteration

Aseh imanu tzedakah va’chesed v’hoshi’einu.

Translation

Deal with us through righteousness and lovingkindness and save us.

19. Shema Yisrael — Final Declaration

At the conclusion of Yom Kippur:

Hebrew

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְיָ אֶחָד.

Transliteration

Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.

Translation

Hear, O Israel: HaShem is our God, HaShem is One.

Traditionally recited once.

20. Baruch Shem Kevod

Hebrew

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

Transliteration

Baruch Shem kevod malchuto l’olam va’ed.

Translation

Blessed is the Name of His glorious kingdom forever and ever.

Traditionally repeated three times.

21. HaShem Hu HaElohim

Hebrew

יְיָ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים.

Transliteration

Adonai Hu HaElohim.

Translation

HaShem — He is God.

Traditionally proclaimed seven times at the conclusion of Ne’ilah.
The sevenfold proclamation recalls Elijah’s declaration at Mount Carmel and expresses absolute acceptance of the sovereignty of HaShem.

22. Final Shofar

After the concluding declarations, a final Shofar blast is sounded:

Hebrew

תְּקִיעָה גְּדוֹלָה

Transliteration

Tekiah Gedolah

Translation

A great, extended Shofar blast

It signals the conclusion of Yom Kippur and symbolically points toward redemption and renewed spiritual life.

23. Next Year in Jerusalem

Hebrew

לְשָׁנָה הַבָּאָה בִּירוּשָׁלָיִם.

Transliteration

L’shanah haba’ah biYerushalayim.

Translation

Next year in Jerusalem.

The Five Yom Kippur Services and Their Spiritual Meaning

Prayer	Hebrew	Spiritual Theme
Ma’ariv	מעריב	Entering the holiness of Yom Kippur
Shacharit	שחרית	Awakening and confession
Musaf	מוסף	Remembering the Temple and Kohen Gadol
Minchah	מנחה	Teshuvah through the message of Jonah
Ne’ilah	נעילה	Final sealing and intimate return to HaShem

The five prayers are also interpreted in Jewish mystical tradition as corresponding to increasingly elevated dimensions of the soul:

Nefesh → Ruach → Neshamah → Chayah → Yechidah

Ne’ilah is especially associated with Yechidah, the innermost point of the soul’s unity with HaShem.

The Spiritual Journey of Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur moves through a profound sequence:

Kol Nidrei
↓
Confession — Vidui
↓
Teshuvah
↓
Forgiveness — Selichah
↓
Atonement — Kapparah
↓
Purification — Taharah
↓
Ne’ilah
↓
Shema Yisrael
↓
HaShem Hu HaElohim
↓
Shofar

The Torah summarizes the essence of the day:

Hebrew

כִּי בַיּוֹם הַזֶּה יְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם לְטַהֵר אֶתְכֶם, מִכֹּל חַטֹּאתֵיכֶם לִפְנֵי יְיָ תִּטְהָרוּ.

Transliteration

Ki vayom hazeh yechaper aleichem l’taher etchem; mikol chatoteichem lifnei Adonai titharu.

Translation

For on this day atonement shall be made for you to purify you; from all your sins, before HaShem you shall be purified.
— Leviticus 16:30

This verse captures the heart of Yom Kippur: not merely forgiveness, but purification and return to the Divine Presence.

גְּמַר חֲתִימָה טוֹבָה

G’mar Chatimah Tovah

May you be sealed for a good year.

Avinu Malkeinu

The “Avinu Malkeinu” (אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ) prayer is one of the most moving prayers recited during the Ten Days of Repentance, especially on Yom Kippur. The words mean “Our Father, Our King.” Customs and wording vary slightly between Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and other rites.

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ — Avinu Malkeinu

Hebrew	Transliteration	English Translation
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חָטָאנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, chatanu lefanecha.	Our Father, our King, we have sinned before You.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, אֵין לָנוּ מֶלֶךְ אֶלָּא אָתָּה.	Avinu Malkeinu, ein lanu Melech ella Atah.	Our Father, our King, we have no King but You.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, עֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, aseh imanu lema'an Shemecha.	Our Father, our King, deal with us for the sake of Your Name.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ שָׁנָה טוֹבָה.	Avinu Malkeinu, chadesh aleinu shanah tovah.	Our Father, our King, renew for us a good year.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, בַּטֵּל מֵעָלֵינוּ כָּל גְּזֵרוֹת קָשׁוֹת וְרָעוֹת.	Avinu Malkeinu, batel me'aleinu kol gezeirot kashot vera'ot.	Our Father, our King, annul every harsh and evil decree against us.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הָפֵר מַחְשְׁבוֹת שׂוֹנְאֵינוּ.	Avinu Malkeinu, hafer machshevot soneinu.	Our Father, our King, frustrate the plans of those who hate us.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כַּלֵּה כָּל צַר וּמַשְׂטִין מֵעָלֵינוּ.	Avinu Malkeinu, kaleh kol tzar u-mastin me'aleinu.	Our Father, our King, remove every adversary and accuser from us.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כַּלֵּה דֶבֶר וְחֶרֶב וְרָעָב וּשְׁבִי וּמַשְׁחִית וְעָוֹן וּשְׁמַד מִבְּנֵי בְרִיתֶךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, kaleh dever vecherev vera'av ushvi umashchit ve'avon ushmad mibnei veritecha.	Our Father, our King, remove plague, sword, famine, captivity, destruction, sin, and persecution from the children of Your covenant.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, מְנַע מַגֵּפָה מִנַּחֲלָתֶךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, mena mageifah minachalatecha.	Our Father, our King, prevent plague from Your inheritance.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, סְלַח וּמְחַל לְכָל עֲוֹנוֹתֵינוּ.	Avinu Malkeinu, selach umechal lechol avonoteinu.	Our Father, our King, forgive and pardon all our sins.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, מְחֵה וְהַעֲבֵר פְּשָׁעֵינוּ וְחַטֹּאתֵינוּ מִנֶּגֶד עֵינֶיךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, mecheh veha'aver pesha'einu vechatoteinu mineged einecha.	Our Father, our King, erase and remove our transgressions and sins from before Your eyes.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הַחֲזִירֵנוּ בִּתְשׁוּבָה שְׁלֵמָה לְפָנֶיךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, hachazireinu bitshuvah sheleimah lefanecha.	Our Father, our King, bring us back to You in complete repentance.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, שְׁלַח רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה לְחוֹלֵי עַמֶּךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, shelach refuah sheleimah lecholei amecha.	Our Father, our King, send complete healing to the sick among Your people.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, קְרַע רֹעַ גְּזַר דִּינֵנוּ.	Avinu Malkeinu, kera ro'a gezar dineinu.	Our Father, our King, tear up the evil decree of our judgment.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, זָכְרֵנוּ בְּזִכָּרוֹן טוֹב לְפָנֶיךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, zochreinu bezikaron tov lefanecha.	Our Father, our King, remember us favorably before You.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר חַיִּים טוֹבִים.	Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer chayim tovim.	Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the Book of a good life.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר גְּאֻלָּה וִישׁוּעָה.	Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer ge'ulah vishu'ah.	Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the Book of redemption and salvation.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר פַּרְנָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה.	Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer parnasah vechalkalah.	Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the Book of sustenance and livelihood.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר זְכֻיּוֹת.	Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer zechuyot.	Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the Book of merits.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר סְלִיחָה וּמְחִילָה.	Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer selichah umechilah.	Our Father, our King, inscribe us in the Book of forgiveness and pardon.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הַצְמַח לָנוּ יְשׁוּעָה בְּקָרוֹב.	Avinu Malkeinu, hatzmach lanu yeshu'ah bekarov.	Our Father, our King, cause salvation to flourish for us soon.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הָרֵם קֶרֶן יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּךָ.	Avinu Malkeinu, harem keren Yisrael amecha.	Our Father, our King, raise the honor of Israel, Your people.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ, חוּס וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ.	Avinu Malkeinu, shema koleinu, chus verachem aleinu.	Our Father, our King, hear our voice; have compassion and mercy upon us.
אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, קַבֵּל בְּרַחֲמִים וּבְרָצוֹן אֶת תְּפִלָּתֵנוּ.	Avinu Malkeinu, kabel berachamim uveratzon et tefilateinu.	Our Father, our King, accept our prayer with mercy and favor.

The famous concluding line

Hebrew

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חָנֵּנוּ וַעֲנֵנוּ, כִּי אֵין בָּנוּ מַעֲשִׂים. עֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ צְדָקָה וָחֶסֶד וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ.

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, choneinu va'aneinu, ki ein banu ma'asim; aseh imanu tzedakah va-chesed vehoshi'einu.

English

Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, for we have no deeds upon which to rely. Deal with us in righteousness and lovingkindness, and save us.

The power of Avinu Malkeinu lies in its two Divine images: Avinu — “our Father,” expressing closeness, mercy, and love; and Malkeinu — “our King,” expressing sovereignty, judgment, and awe. On Yom Kippur, the worshipper approaches HaShem with both: as a child seeking compassion and as a servant standing before the King.

A traditional source for the prayer's foundation appears in Talmud Ta'anit 25b, where Rabbi Akiva prayed, “Avinu Malkeinu, ein lanu Melech ella Atah — Our Father, our King, we have no king but You,” and his prayer was answered. This became the foundation for the expanded liturgical form used during the Days of Awe.

యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ – అవీనూ మల్కేనూ ప్రార్థన

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ — Avinu Malkeinu

“మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా”

“అవీనూ మల్కేనూ” (אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ) యూదుల ప్రార్థనా సంప్రదాయంలో అత్యంత హృదయస్పర్శమైన ప్రార్థనలలో ఒకటి. ఇది ముఖ్యంగా అసెరెట్ యెమే తేశువా — పశ్చాత్తాపపు పది దినాలు మరియు యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ సమయంలో ప్రార్థించబడుతుంది.

Avinu — అవీనూ అంటే “మా తండ్రి”

Malkeinu — మల్కేనూ అంటే “మా రాజు”

1. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חָטָאנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, chatanu lefanecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మేము నీ సన్నిధిలో పాపము చేశాము.

2. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, אֵין לָנוּ מֶלֶךְ אֶלָּא אָתָּה

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, ein lanu Melech ella Atah.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీవు తప్ప మాకు మరొక రాజు లేడు.

3. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, עֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, aseh imanu lema'an Shemecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీ నామ మహిమ నిమిత్తం మాతో కృపగా వ్యవహరించుము.

4. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, חַדֵּשׁ עָלֵינוּ שָׁנָה טוֹבָה

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, chadesh aleinu shanah tovah.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మాకు మంచి సంవత్సరాన్ని నూతనంగా అనుగ్రహించుము.

5. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, בַּטֵּל מֵעָלֵינוּ כָּל גְּזֵרוֹת קָשׁוֹת וְרָעוֹת

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, batel me'aleinu kol gezeirot kashot vera'ot.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మా మీద ఉన్న కఠినమైన మరియు చెడు తీర్పులన్నిటిని రద్దు చేయుము.

6. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הָפֵר מַחְשְׁבוֹת שׂוֹנְאֵינוּ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, hafer machshevot soneinu.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మమ్మల్ని ద్వేషించువారి కుట్రలను భగ్నం చేయుము.

7. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כַּלֵּה כָּל צַר וּמַשְׂטִין מֵעָלֵינוּ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kaleh kol tzar u-mastin me'aleinu.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, ప్రతి శత్రువును మరియు ప్రతి నిందారోపకుడిని మా నుండి తొలగించుము.

8. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כַּלֵּה דֶבֶר וְחֶרֶב וְרָעָב וּשְׁבִי וּמַשְׁחִית וְעָוֹן וּשְׁמַד מִבְּנֵי בְרִיתֶךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kaleh dever vecherev vera'av ushvi umashchit ve'avon ushmad mibnei veritecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మహమ్మారి, ఖడ్గము, కరువు, చెర, వినాశనం, పాపం మరియు హింసను నీ నిబంధన ప్రజల నుండి తొలగించుము.

9. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, מְנַע מַגֵּפָה מִנַּחֲלָתֶךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, mena mageifah minachalatecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీ స్వాస్థ్యమైన ప్రజల నుండి మహమ్మారిని దూరం చేయుము.

10. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, סְלַח וּמְחַל לְכָל עֲוֹנוֹתֵינוּ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, selach umechal lechol avonoteinu.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మా సమస్త దోషాలను క్షమించి మన్నించుము.

11. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, מְחֵה וְהַעֲבֵר פְּשָׁעֵינוּ וְחַטֹּאתֵינוּ מִנֶּגֶד עֵינֶיךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, mecheh veha'aver pesha'einu vechatoteinu mineged einecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మా తిరుగుబాట్లను మరియు మా పాపాలను నీ సన్నిధి నుండి తుడిచివేసి తొలగించుము.

12. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הַחֲזִירֵנוּ בִּתְשׁוּבָה שְׁלֵמָה לְפָנֶיךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, hachazireinu bitshuvah sheleimah lefanecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, సంపూర్ణ తేశువా — నిజమైన పశ్చాత్తాపంతో మమ్మల్ని నీ వైపుకు తిరిగి తీసుకురమ్ము.

13. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, שְׁלַח רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה לְחוֹלֵי עַמֶּךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, shelach refuah sheleimah lecholei amecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీ ప్రజలలో అనారోగ్యంతో ఉన్నవారికి సంపూర్ణ స్వస్థతను పంపుము.

14. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, קְרַע רֹעַ גְּזַר דִּינֵנוּ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kera ro'a gezar dineinu.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మా మీద నిర్ణయించబడిన చెడు తీర్పును చింపివేసి తొలగించుము.

15. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, זָכְרֵנוּ בְּזִכָּרוֹן טוֹב לְפָנֶיךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, zochreinu bezikaron tov lefanecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీ సన్నిధిలో మమ్మల్ని మేలుగా జ్ఞాపకం చేసుకొనుము.

16. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר חַיִּים טוֹבִים

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer chayim tovim.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మంచి జీవితం యొక్క గ్రంథంలో మమ్మల్ని లిఖించుము.

17. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר גְּאֻלָּה וִישׁוּעָה

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer ge'ulah vishu'ah.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, విమోచన మరియు రక్షణ గ్రంథంలో మమ్మల్ని లిఖించుము.

18. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר פַּרְנָסָה וְכַלְכָּלָה

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer parnasah vechalkalah.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, జీవనోపాధి మరియు పోషణ గ్రంథంలో మమ్మల్ని లిఖించుము.

19. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר זְכֻיּוֹת

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer zechuyot.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, పుణ్యకార్యాల గ్రంథంలో మమ్మల్ని లిఖించుము.

20. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, כָּתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר סְלִיחָה וּמְחִילָה

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kotveinu besefer selichah umechilah.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, క్షమాపణ మరియు మన్నింపు గ్రంథంలో మమ్మల్ని లిఖించుము.

21. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הַצְמַח לָנוּ יְשׁוּעָה בְּקָרוֹב

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, hatzmach lanu yeshu'ah bekarov.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, త్వరలోనే మాకు రక్షణను వికసింపజేయుము.

22. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, הָרֵם קֶרֶן יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּךָ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, harem keren Yisrael amecha.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీ ప్రజలైన ఇశ్రాయేలు ఘనతను పైకెత్తుము.

23. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ, חוּס וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, shema koleinu, chus verachem aleinu.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మా స్వరాన్ని ఆలకించుము; మాపై కనికరించి కరుణ చూపుము.

24. אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ, קַבֵּל בְּרַחֲמִים וּבְרָצוֹן אֶת תְּפִלָּתֵנוּ

Transliteration :

Avinu Malkeinu, kabel berachamim uveratzon et tefilateinu.

తెలుగ :

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మా ప్రార్థనను కరుణతోను అనుగ్రహంతోను స్వీకరించుము.

ప్రసిద్ధ ముగింపు ప్రార్థన

Hebrew

Transliteration

Avinu Malkeinu, choneinu va'aneinu, ki ein banu ma'asim; aseh imanu tzedakah va-chesed vehoshi'einu.

తెలుగు అనువాదం

మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, మాపై కృప చూపి మాకు జవాబిచ్చుము. ఆధారపడదగిన గొప్ప కార్యాలు మా వద్ద లేవు. నీ నీతి మరియు ప్రేమపూర్వక కరుణ ప్రకారం మాతో వ్యవహరించి మమ్మల్ని రక్షించుము.

“అవీనూ మల్కేనూ” యొక్క ఆధ్యాత్మిక భావం

ఈ ప్రార్థనలో హషేమ్‌ను రెండు విధాలుగా సంబోధిస్తాము:

אָבִינוּ — Avinu — “మా తండ్రి”

ఇది దేవునితో ఉన్న సాన్నిహిత్యం, ప్రేమ, కరుణ మరియు దయను సూచిస్తుంది. ఒక బిడ్డ తన తండ్రిని ఆశ్రయించినట్లుగా, యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ రోజున మనిషి హషేమ్ వైపు తిరిగి:

“మా తండ్రీ, మమ్మల్ని క్షమించుము; మమ్మల్ని నీ వద్దకు తిరిగి తీసుకురమ్ము”అని ప్రార్థిస్తాడు.

מַלְכֵּנוּ — Malkeinu — “మా రాజు”

ఇది హషేమ్ యొక్క రాజాధికారం, తీర్పు, న్యాయం మరియు మహిమను సూచిస్తుంది. యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ రోజున మనిషి ఒకవైపు ప్రేమగల తండ్రి ఎదుట బిడ్డగా నిలుస్తాడు; మరోవైపు విశ్వాధిపతి అయిన రాజు ఎదుట సేవకుడిగా నిలుస్తాడు.

అందువల్ల:

Avinu — ప్రేమ మరియు కరుణ

Malkeinu — న్యాయం మరియు రాజాధికారం

ఈ రెండూ యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ ఆధ్యాత్మికతలో కలుస్తాయి.

తల్ముద్ మూలం — Ta'anit 25b

“అవీనూ మల్కేనూ” ప్రార్థనకు సంబంధించిన ప్రాచీన మూలం తల్ముద్, తానీత్ 25bలో కనిపిస్తుంది. రబ్బీ అకీవా ప్రార్థించినప్పుడు ఆయన ఇలా అన్నాడు:

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ אֵין לָנוּ מֶלֶךְ אֶלָּא אָתָּה

Avinu Malkeinu, ein lanu Melech ella Atah.

“మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా, నీవు తప్ప మాకు మరొక రాజు లేడు.”

ఆయన ప్రార్థన స్వీకరించబడినట్లు తల్ముద్ వివరిస్తుంది. ఈ చిన్న ప్రార్థనా రూపమే తరువాత విస్తరించి, రోష్ హషానా, అసెరెట్ యెమే తేశువా మరియు యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ ప్రార్థనా సంప్రదాయంలో ప్రసిద్ధమైన Avinu Malkeinu ప్రార్థనగా స్థిరపడింది.

యోమ్ కిప్పూర్ యొక్క హృదయపూర్వక పిలుపు

Avinu Malkeinu — మా తండ్రీ, మా రాజా,
మా పాపాలను క్షమించుము,
మా హృదయాలను నీ వైపు తిరిగించుము,
మమ్మల్ని జీవగ్రంథంలో లిఖించుము,
మాపై కరుణ చూపుము,
మా ప్రార్థనను స్వీకరించుము,
మరియు మాకు శాంతి, జీవితం, విమోచన మరియు రక్షణను అనుగ్రహించుము.

Yom Kippur is unique because it has five separate prayer services

Yom Kippur is unique because it has five separate prayer services, each centered on an Amidah: Ma'ariv, Shacharit, Musaf, Minchah, and Ne'ilah. Ne'ilah is the fifth service found only on Yom Kippur.

A traditional teaching also associates these five services with the five levels of the soul: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshamah, Chayah, and Yechidah.

Service	Hebrew	Approx. time	Spiritual emphasis
1. Ma'ariv	מַעֲרִיב	Yom Kippur evening	Entrance into repentance; Kol Nidrei
2. Shacharit	שַׁחֲרִית	Morning	Mercy, judgment, holiness
3. Musaf	מוּסָף	Late morning/day	Kohen Gadol and Temple Avodah
4. Minchah	מִנְחָה	Afternoon	Teshuvah; Jonah
5. Ne'ilah	נְעִילָה	Near sunset	Final sealing; “closing of the gates”

Musaf contains the detailed remembrance of the Yom Kippur Temple service; Minchah includes the Book of Jonah; and Ne'ilah is the climactic “closing” service.

The Yom Kippur Amidah is different from the weekday 18+1

On an ordinary weekday the Amidah has 19 blessings. On Yom Kippur, as on the festivals, the basic silent Amidah instead has seven blessings:3 opening blessings → 1 central Yom Kippur blessing → 3 concluding blessings.

The confession—Vidui — וידוי—is a central addition.

The basic pattern is:

1. Avot — אָבוֹת
2. Gevurot — גְּבוּרוֹת
3. Kedushat HaShem — קְדֻשַּׁת הַשֵּׁם
4. Kedushat HaYom / Yom Kippur — קְדֻשַּׁת הַיּוֹם
5. Retzeh — רְצֵה
6. Modim — מוֹדִים
7. Sim Shalom — שִׂים שָׁלוֹם

with Vidui — Ashamnu and Al Chet integrated into the Yom Kippur prayer.

1. MA'ARIV AMIDAH

מַעֲרִיב — Evening Amidah

This follows Kol Nidrei on Yom Kippur night.

Opening

Hebrew

אֲדֹנָי שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח, וּפִי יַגִּיד תְּהִלָּתֶךָ.

Adonai sefatai tiftach, ufi yagid tehilatecha.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise.

1. Avot — אָבוֹת

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם, אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק, וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב. הָאֵל הַגָּדוֹל הַגִּבּוֹר וְהַנּוֹרָא, אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, גּוֹמֵל חֲסָדִים טוֹבִים, וְקוֹנֵה הַכֹּל, וְזוֹכֵר חַסְדֵי אָבוֹת, וּמֵבִיא גוֹאֵל לִבְנֵי בְנֵיהֶם, לְמַעַן שְׁמוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה. זָכְרֵנוּ לְחַיִּים, מֶלֶךְ חָפֵץ בַּחַיִּים, וְכָתְבֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר הַחַיִּים, לְמַעַנְךָ אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים. מֶלֶךְ עוֹזֵר וּמוֹשִׁיעַ וּמָגֵן. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מָגֵן אַבְרָהָם.

Transliteration

Baruch Atah Adonai, Eloheinu v'Elohei avoteinu, Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak, v'Elohei Yaakov. Ha-El hagadol hagibor v'hanora, El Elyon, gomel chasadim tovim, v'koneh hakol, v'zocher chasdei avot, u-meivi go'el livnei v'neihem, l'ma'an Shemo b'ahavah. Zochreinu l'chaim, Melech chafetz bachaim, v'chatveinu b'Sefer HaChaim, l'ma'ancha Elohim Chaim. Melech ozer u-moshia u-magen. Baruch Atah Adonai, Magen Avraham.

Translation

Blessed are You, HaShem, our God and God of our fathers, God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; the great, mighty and awesome God. Remember us for life, O King Who desires life, and inscribe us in the Book of Life for Your sake, O Living God. Blessed are You, HaShem, Shield of Abraham.

2. Gevurot — גְּבוּרוֹת

אַתָּה גִּבּוֹר לְעוֹלָם אֲדֹנָי, מְחַיֵּה מֵתִים אַתָּה, רַב לְהוֹשִׁיעַ. מִי כָמוֹךָ אָב הָרַחֲמִים, זוֹכֵר יְצוּרָיו לְחַיִּים בְּרַחֲמִים. וְנֶאֱמָן אַתָּה לְהַחֲיוֹת מֵתִים. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, מְחַיֵּה הַמֵּתִים.

Transliteration

Atah gibor l'olam Adonai, mechayeh meitim Atah, rav l'hoshia. Mi Chamocha Av HaRachamim, zocher yetzurav l'chaim b'rachamim. V'ne'eman Atah l'hachayot meitim. Baruch Atah Adonai, mechayeh hameitim.

Translation

You are eternally mighty, O Lord; You give life to the dead and are abundant in salvation. Who is like You, Father of compassion, Who remembers His creatures for life with mercy? Blessed are You, HaShem, Who revives the dead.

3. Kedushat HaShem

אַתָּה קָדוֹשׁ וְשִׁמְךָ קָדוֹשׁ, וּקְדוֹשִׁים בְּכָל יוֹם יְהַלְלוּךָ סֶּלָה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ, הַמֶּלֶךְ הַקָּדוֹשׁ.

Atah kadosh v'Shimcha kadosh, u-kedoshim b'chol yom yehalelucha selah.
Baruch Atah Adonai, HaMelech HaKadosh.

You are holy and Your Name is holy.Blessed are You, HaShem, the Holy King.

A major High Holiday difference is HaMelech HaKadosh — “the Holy King”, emphasizing Divine kingship.

4th Blessing — The Heart of the Yom Kippur Amidah

קְדֻשַּׁת הַיּוֹם

This central blessing appears, with service-specific variations, throughout the day.

Atah Bechartanu

Hebrew

אַתָּה בְחַרְתָּנוּ מִכָּל הָעַמִּים, אָהַבְתָּ אוֹתָנוּ וְרָצִיתָ בָּנוּ, וְרוֹמַמְתָּנוּ מִכָּל הַלְּשׁוֹנוֹת, וְקִדַּשְׁתָּנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתֶיךָ, וְקֵרַבְתָּנוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ לַעֲבוֹדָתֶךָ, וְשִׁמְךָ הַגָּדוֹל וְהַקָּדוֹשׁ עָלֵינוּ קָרָאתָ.

Transliteration

Atah vechartanu mikol ha'amim, ahavta otanu v'ratzita banu, v'romamtanu mikol hal'shonot, v'kidashtanu b'mitzvotecha, v'keiravtanu Malkeinu la'avodatecha, v'Shimcha hagadol v'hakadosh aleinu karata.

Translation

You have chosen us from among all peoples. You have loved us and found favor in us. You exalted us above all languages and sanctified us with Your commandments. You brought us near, our King, to Your service, and proclaimed Your great and holy Name upon us.

Yom Kippur holiness

Hebrew

וַתִּתֶּן לָנוּ יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּאַהֲבָה אֶת יוֹם הַכִּפּוּרִים הַזֶּה, לִמְחִילָה וְלִסְלִיחָה וּלְכַפָּרָה, וְלִמְחָל בּוֹ אֶת כָּל עֲוֹנוֹתֵינוּ, מִקְרָא קֹדֶשׁ, זֵכֶר לִיצִיאַת מִצְרָיִם.

Transliteration

Vatiten lanu Adonai Eloheinu b'ahavah et Yom HaKippurim hazeh, limchilah v'lislichah u-lchaparah, v'limchol bo et kol avonoteinu, mikra kodesh, zecher litziat Mitzrayim.

Translation

You have lovingly given us, HaShem our God, this Day of Atonement for pardon, forgiveness and atonement, to forgive all our iniquities—a holy convocation, a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.

Vidui — וִדּוּי

Confession

A fundamental feature of the Yom Kippur Amidah is confession.

Ashamnu — אָשַׁמְנוּ

Hebrew

אָשַׁמְנוּ,
בָּגַדְנוּ,
גָּזַלְנוּ,
דִּבַּרְנוּ דֹפִי,
הֶעֱוִינוּ,
וְהִרְשַׁעְנוּ,
זַדְנוּ,
חָמַסְנוּ,
טָפַלְנוּ שֶׁקֶר,
יָעַצְנוּ רָע,
כִּזַּבְנוּ,
לַצְנוּ,
מָרַדְנוּ,
נִאַצְנוּ,
סָרַרְנוּ,
עָוִינוּ,
פָּשַׁעְנוּ,
צָרַרְנוּ,
קִשִּׁינוּ עֹרֶף,
רָשַׁעְנוּ,
שִׁחַתְנוּ,
תִּעַבְנוּ,
תָּעִינוּ,
תִּעְתָּעְנוּ.

Transliteration

Ashamnu, bagadnu, gazalnu, dibarnu dofi, he'evinu, v'hirshanu, zadnu, chamasnu, tafalnu sheker, ya'atznu ra, kizavnu, latznu, maradnu, ni'atznu, sararnu, avinu, pashanu, tzararnu, kishinu oref, rashanu, shichatnu, ti'avnu, ta'inu, titanu.

Meaning

We have become guilty; we have betrayed; we have robbed; we have spoken slander; we have acted perversely; we have acted wickedly; we have sinned deliberately; we have committed violence; we have falsely accused; we have given evil counsel; we have lied; we have mocked; we have rebelled; we have provoked; we have turned away; we have committed iniquity; we have transgressed; we have oppressed; we have been stubborn; we have acted wickedly; we have corrupted; we have acted abominably; we have strayed; we have led others astray.

Notice that Jewish confession is generally phrased “we have sinned,” not merely “I have sinned.” The individual stands as part of Klal Yisrael.

Al Chet — עַל חֵטְא

The longer confession repeatedly begins:

Hebrew

עַל חֵטְא שֶׁחָטָאנוּ לְפָנֶיךָ...

Transliteration

Al chet shechatanu l'fanecha...

Translation

“For the sin that we have committed before You…”

and each group concludes:

וְעַל כֻּלָּם, אֱלוֹהַּ סְלִיחוֹת, סְלַח לָנוּ, מְחַל לָנוּ, כַּפֶּר לָנוּ.

V'al kulam, Elo'ah selichot, selach lanu, mechal lanu, kaper lanu.

“For all of them, O God of forgiveness: forgive us, pardon us, grant us atonement.”

The lengthy confession is a central feature of the Yom Kippur Amidah and is repeated through the day's services; Ne'ilah uses an abbreviated confession.

2. SHACHARIT AMIDAH

שַׁחֲרִית — Morning

The silent Shacharit Amidah follows essentially the same seven-blessing Yom Kippur framework:Avot → Gevurot → HaMelech HaKadosh → Kedushat HaYom + Vidui → Retzeh → Modim → Sim Shalom.

The public repetition becomes much more elaborate, with Kedushah, piyutim and additional Yom Kippur prayers.

Its spiritual emphasis may be understood as moving from the awakening of the night into the clearer light of teshuvah, mercy and purification.

3. MUSAF AMIDAH

מוּסָף — The Additional Service

Musaf is one of the defining prayers of Yom Kippur because its repetition recounts the Avodah of the Kohen Gadol in the Beit HaMikdash.

It remembers the fulfillment of:

כִּי בַיּוֹם הַזֶּה יְכַפֵּר עֲלֵיכֶם לְטַהֵר אֶתְכֶם...

Ki vayom hazeh yechaper aleichem l'taher etchem...

“For on this day atonement shall be made for you, to cleanse you…” — Leviticus 16:30

The Musaf Amidah contains the same basic seven-blessing framework, but the Chazzan's repetition contains the great Avodah service, remembering the Kohen Gadol entering the Holy of Holies.

One of its most dramatic passages recalls the people hearing the Divine Name:

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

Baruch Shem kevod malchuto l'olam va'ed.

“Blessed is the Name of the glory of His kingdom forever and ever.”

On Yom Kippur this is traditionally said aloud, unlike during the regular daily Shema.

4. MINCHAH AMIDAH

מִנְחָה — Afternoon

The Minchah Amidah again follows the seven-blessing Yom Kippur structure and includes Vidui.

Before the Amidah, the Haftarah is the Book of Jonah, emphasizing that genuine repentance can overturn a decree.

Its central message is beautifully expressed by:

כִּי אַתָּה סַלְחָן לְיִשְׂרָאֵל וּמָחֳלָן לְשִׁבְטֵי יְשֻׁרוּן בְּכָל דּוֹר וָדוֹר.

Transliteration

Ki Atah salchan l'Yisrael, u-macholan l'shivtei Yeshurun, b'chol dor va-dor.

Translation

“For You are the One Who forgives Israel and pardons the tribes of Yeshurun in every generation.”

The Book of Jonah reinforces the principle:Repentance is not merely regret—it is turning and changing direction.

5. NE'ILAH AMIDAH

נְעִילָה — The Closing Prayer

This is the unique fifth Amidah of Yom Kippur.

Ne'ilah — נעילה means “closing.” The Talmudic tradition discusses whether it refers to the closing of the Temple gates or the heavenly gates.

During Ne'ilah, the language changes from the earlier emphasis on “inscribing” to the imagery of “sealing.”

זָכְרֵנוּ לְחַיִּים

Hebrew

זָכְרֵנוּ לְחַיִּים, מֶלֶךְ חָפֵץ בַּחַיִּים, וְחָתְמֵנוּ בְּסֵפֶר הַחַיִּים, לְמַעַנְךָ אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים.

Transliteration

Zochreinu l'chaim, Melech chafetz bachaim, v'chatmeinu b'Sefer HaChaim, l'ma'ancha Elohim Chaim.

Translation

Remember us for life, O King Who desires life, and seal us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, O Living God.

Ne'ilah appeal

One of its characteristic themes is:

פְּתַח לָנוּ שַׁעַר בְּעֵת נְעִילַת שָׁעַר כִּי פָנָה יוֹם.

Transliteration

Petach lanu sha'ar, b'et ne'ilat sha'ar, ki fanah yom.

Translation

“Open the gate for us at the time when the gate is closing, for the day is passing.”

The confession is shortened during Ne'ilah compared with the earlier services.

At the climax of the service the congregation proclaims:

Shema — once

שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל, יְיָ אֱלֹהֵינוּ, יְיָ אֶחָד.

Shema Yisrael, Adonai Eloheinu, Adonai Echad.

Hear, O Israel: HaShem is our God, HaShem is One.

Baruch Shem — three times

בָּרוּךְ שֵׁם כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתוֹ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד.

Baruch Shem kevod malchuto l'olam va'ed.

Blessed is the Name of the glory of His Kingdom forever and ever.

HaShem Hu HaElohim — seven times

יְיָ הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים.

Adonai Hu HaElohim.

HaShem—He is God.

The service then culminates with the shofar blast.

The five prayers and five levels of the soul

A Chassidic teaching presents a profound ascent through the day:

Ma'ariv → Nefesh נפש

The basic life-force; beginning purification.

Shacharit → Ruach רוח

Emotion and spiritual awakening.

Musaf → Neshamah נשמה

Higher consciousness, reflected in the holiness of the Temple Avodah.

Minchah → Chayah חיה

A transcendent level of spiritual life.

Ne'ilah → Yechidah יחידה

The innermost point of the soul—its absolute unity with HaShem.

This helps explain why Ne'ilah is not merely “one more prayer.” It represents the climax of Yom Kippur: the deepest level of the soul standing before HaShem as the holy day closes.

For a complete machzor-style text, the precise wording differs between Nusach Ashkenaz, Sephard/Edot HaMizrach, Ari/Chabad and other rites, particularly in the piyutim and repetitions. The core structure above is shared, but a full word-for-word prayer book should follow the nusach of the congregation.

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