El nora alilah אֵל נוֹרָא עֲלִילָה. Composed by Rabbi Moses Ibn Ezra (ca. 1055– 1138), this piyut (religious poem) from the Sephardic tradition resounds with urgency, hope, and faith in the special power of prayers uttered in this closing hour of Yom Kippur.
Our Creator, God of awe,
God sublime, whose deeds are true,
have compassion, grant us pardon,
as we enter N’ilah.
“Small in Number,” we are called—
we who lift our eyes to seek You,
and with trembling hearts, beseech You,
in this hour of N’ilah.
For You our very life pours forth:
free us of falsehood, rid us of sin;
Fount of forgiveness, show us Your mercy,
as we enter N’ilah.
Be our true and faithful shelter;
embrace us in grief, console us in pain;
seal us for honor, contentment, and joy,
in this hour of N’ilah.
With grace and compassion
oppose the oppressors, bring judgment to foes;
oust the ones who war against us,
as we enter N’ilah.
Recall our mothers, remember our fathers;
renew their righteousness in our days.
Be near to us as You were to them,
in this hour of N’ilah.
Proclaim for us a year of favor;
restore the unity to Your flock.
Return this remnant to its glory,
as we enter N’ilah.
Daughters and sons, be worthy of your years —
may they be many, and filled with joy!
Bless us, Avinu, bless us with gladness,
in this hour of N’ilah.