Secrets of the Aleinu Leshabe'ach Prayer

Secrets of the Aleinu Leshabe'ach Prayer

The prayer “Aleinu Leshabe'ach” consists of two parts. The first part begins with the letter ע, with the word עלינו, and ends with the letter ד, with the word עוד. The second part also begins with the letter ע, with the word על-כן, and ends with the letter ד, with the word אחד. Together, these letters form the word עד “ed” (witness). The word עד “ed” (witness) is encoded twice in this prayer. The Mekubalim say that when a Jew recites the prayer “Aleinu Leshabe'ach,” two edim (witnesses) ascend to Shamayim (Heaven) and protect the prayer from the mekatrigim (prosecuting angels).   (Based on a lesson by Rabbanit Hagit Shira)