Ruach - New Jewish Tunes by Transcontinental Music Publications

Text: Liturgy – Adon Olam

[Craig Taubman writes:] I grew up in a fairly traditional Conservative congregation in Los Angeles. We would conclude every Shabbat Morning service with Adon Olam. For most of us that meant "it's time to take your tallit off and talk to your neighbor." It was not until many years later that when I was leading Friday Night Live at that same temple that I had the opportunity to really look at the text. The last stanza of Adon Olam contains some of the most powerful poetry found in the siddur [see text and translation].

As we are about to leave the safety of our community we go out into the world with the faith that God will take care of us and protect us. Faith means that we are not alone. Faith means that we need not be afraid.

B'yado afkid ruchi,
b'eit ishan v'a-irah.
V'im ruchi g'viyati,
Adonai li v'lo ira.
V'im ruchi g'viyati,
Adonai li v'lo ira.

My soul I give to You,
my spirit in Your care.
Draw me near I shall not fear,
hold me safely in Your hand.
Draw me near I shall not fear,
hold me safely in Your hand.