Adon olam

The service of Erev Rosh Hashannah properly ends with the hymn, "Adon olam."

This great melody is striking for its vigorous opening in G minor, a more lyrical middle section in G major, and then a return to the opening G minor.

This beautiful arrangement/harmonization was done by Abraham W. Binder (1895-1966), one of the most important figures in American synagogue music.

Born in New York to a family of cantors and a world enriched by synagogue music and Jewish folklore. He was a member of his father’s synagogue choir from a young age, an experience that further developed his knowledge of and love for prayer melodies.

From 1922 until 1966, Mr. Binder served as music director of the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue in NYC, where he introduced a number of important changes, including a return to traditional biblical cantillation. That same year, Mr. Binder took a post as an instructor of Jewish music at the Jewish Institute of Religion (JIR), which was founded by Mr. Wise. Mr. Binder remained dedicated to the school throughout his career, serving as one of the founders of the School of Sacred Music.

The powerful text (traslation) of this famous hymn is:

Eternal master, who reigned supreme,
Before all of creation was drawn;
When it was finished according to his will,
Then "King" his name was proclaimed to be
When this our world shall be no more,
In majesty he still shall reign,
And he was, and he is,
And he will be in glory.
Alone is he, there is no second,
Without division or ally;
Without beginning, without end,
To him is the power and sovereignty
He is my God, my living redeemer
Rock of my affliction in time of trouble
He is my banner and refuge
Filling my cup the day I call
Into his hand I commit my spirit
I sleep, and I awake
And with my spirit, my body
The Lord is with me, I will not fear.

Two photos of Binder are attached, as well as photo (current) of the sanctuary of the Stephen Wise Synagogue.