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Home
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Ovinu Malkeinu
by Dalia T.
It's Rosh Hashonoh once again. The singing once again stirs
the soul, moves one to tears, and floods the memory. All the
beautiful melodies! All reaching deep inside our souls and
touching responsive chords. The familiar tune of the Rosh
Hashonoh Kaddish. And then the keynote: Ovinu Malkeinu
- - Our Father, Our King!
The memories flood and flow on this day. I see myself at age
four; we attended shul, a shteibel, where my
grandfather prayed. My mother and I, and many elderly ladies,
filled the women's section. Ovinu Malkeinu was being
sung by the chazon with great emotion, while the
ladies' tears flowed freely as they swayed to their hearts'
rhythm of the haunting melody. As for me, unable to merely
sit quietly during the heartbreaking rendition, I added my 4-
year-old voice, audible only to them, to the smiles of the
bubbies. Another wonderful memory: Rosh Hashonoh, at the
overflow huge and magnificent beis medrash of Ponovizh
in Bnei Brak where, for only three days a year, an additional
separate building was used. This "overflow," Ohel Kedoshim,
goes beyond its physical boundaries; on those days, it is
truly an overflowing river of ruchniyus. This
experience lingers on to be savored and enjoyed repeatedly in
the months that follow. Ohel Kedoshim contains about 1000
people! Outside the women's section, on an enormous patio,
are many women, children and strollers, listening to the
praying, with hardly any chatting. Inside, rows upon rows of
women. At least as many men on the other side of the
partition. The singing is incredible! All those male voices
in unison, beseeching Hashem! The best choir, unrehearsed,
having practiced most of their lives!
The most moving prayer, ultimately, is the singing of
"Ovinu Malkeinu" in a single, unified, harmonious
voice; the sound is as one, raised in supplication to Hashem,
begging Him to hear our pleas. The sound is of heavenly
angels, heartrending, tear-evoking. Awesome!
This is one of the most exquisite of moments! Each person's
heart is heard in his voice, speaking to "Our Father." An
incredibly moving display of emunah; each one knowing
that his voice counts and is needed. Knowing in his heart
that Hashem is listening to him, to each person! Shortly
afterwards, in the ladies' courtyard, the unbelievable
strains of singing — of course, also Ovinu
Malkeinu! - - from the actual Ponovizh Yeshiva! A repeat
performance! This year, too, may all of our supplications to
Hashem, wherever they are, be heard by the One Above, with
love, compassion, and mercy.
SOARING VOICES
Voices no longer
Harmony, unity
A joining
Oneness.
One voice
Angelic
Beseeching
Striving to be heard
By the One on High.
Reaching into our very souls
Bringing hope of being heard
Of children begging for forgiveness.
The music of sparkling jewels
Of angelic sweetness
Of our souls yearning for Hashem
Piercing the very Heavens.
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