Phish’s Avinu Malkeinu (My Father, My King)

This video presents the American jam band, Phishperforming their version of Avinu Malkeinu (Our Father, Our King), a desperate plea for mercy, blessing and forgiveness recited as part of the services on Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, the Ten Days of Repentance between the two holidays, and fast days (in some communities). Phish, which has two Jewish band members, are known for their musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres, and dedicated fan base. Although there are many different versions of this prayer, it remains one of the most emotive prayers in the High Holiday services. There are many different musical renditions for this liturgical piece, especially the closing line, below:

אָבִינוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ חָנֵּנוּ וַעֲנֵנוּ כִּי אֵין בָּנוּ מַעֲשִׂים עֲשֵׂה עִמָּנוּ צְדָקָה וָחֶסֶד וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ.

Avinu Malkeinu, Chaneinu V’aneinu, ki ein banu ma’asim. Assei imanu ts’dakah vachesed, vehoshiyeinu.

Our Father, Our King, be gracious to us and answer us, though we have no worthy deeds; act with us in charity and loving-kindness and save us.