January The Fifteenth

ADON OLAM - Master Of The World

Adon Olam (Master of the World) is a very old poem that is recited by Jews every day at the beginning of Shacharis, the morning prayers. Most authorities attribute it to Rabbi Shlomo ibn Gabirol, the great poet of 11th century Spain. The poem is recited before Shacharis to recall the memory of Avraham, who was the first to call HaShem "Adoni" - "My Master" and who instituted the Shacharis prayers.

The Poem
Master of the World who was king, before any form was created.
At the time when He made all through His will, then His name was called "King."
And after all is gone, He, the Awesome One, will reign alone.
And He was, and He is, and He will be in splendor.
And He is One, and there is no second, to compare to Him or be His equal.
Without beginning, without end, to Him is the power and rulership.
He is my G-d, my living Redeemer, and the Rock of my fate in times of distress.
He is my banner and He is a refuge for me, my portion on the day I cry out,
In His hand I entrust my spirit, when I sleep and when I wake.
And my soul shall remain with my body, HaShem is with me and I am not afraid.

- Jewish prayer at beginning of morning prayers