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U'Nesaneh Tokef - Let Us Relate the Power...
One of the most prominent prayers recited on Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur is "U'Nesaneh Tokef". Rabbi Amnon of Mainz, Germany authored this prayer about one thousand years ago. The story behind this prayer is rather dramatic.
Rabbi Amnon was a very prominent leader in the Jewish community of Mainz. The king (or bishop) and other officials of Mainz put heavy pressure on Rabbi Amnon to convert to Christianity but, of course, Rabbi Amnon would not listen. Finally, the constant pressure became too difficult to deal with so Rabbi Amnon, in an attempt to get some temporary relief, told them that he needed three days to think about it. Rabbi Amnon immediately regretted his statement for it implied that he doubted the truth of the Torah and was actually considering abandoning Judaism. For three days he fasted and prayed to HaShem for forgiveness. On the third day the non-Jews sent for him to know what his decision was but he refused to come and was brought by force. Rabbi Amnon told them, "My tongue should be cut out for having spoken falsely." The king responded that he would not cut out his tongue for it had spoken properly, instead he would cut off his legs because he had not come to him. The non-Jews then proceeded to cut each joint of his legs and arms. After each joint they would ask him if he wanted to convert to Christianity and Rabbi Amnon would refuse. When this was completed they sent him home together with the pieces.
When Rosh HaShana came a short time later, Rabbi Amnon ordered that he be brought to the synagogue next to the chazzan (the leader of the prayers). When it came time for the kedusha prayer Rabbi Amnon told the chazzan to pause so that he could sanctify the name of HaShem. He then recited the prayer "U'Nesaneh Tokef" in which he speaks about the great judgement which takes place on Rosh HaShana and that all of HaShem's judgments are true. Immediately after the kedusha prayer was completed Rabbi Amnon passed away.
Three days later Rabbi Amnon appeared in a dream to Rabbi K'lonimus ben Meshullam of Mainz and taught him the text of this prayer and commanded him to spread it throughout the Jewish world.
The following is a translation of selections from this prayer:
for it is awesome and frightening...
It is true that You alone are the One Who judges, who proves, knows and testifies, writes and seals,
And remembers all that is forgotten...
All creatures of the world will pass before You like sheep...
how many will pass from the world and how many will be created,
who will live and who will die,...
who by water, who by fire, who by sword, who by beast,
who by famine, and who by thirst...
Who will rest and who will wander...
who will become poor and who will become rich,
who will be lowered down and who will be lifted up.
but rather that he should return from his way and live.
Until the day of his death You wait for him,
if he returns You accept him immediately....
Guide to the Jewish Year
or to Lazer's
Talmud Torah
