A Call for Responsibility

On the U-netanah Tokef

Marcus Mordecai Schwartz, Henry R. and Miriam Ripps Schnitzer Librarian for Special Collections of the JTS Library

U-netanah Tokef is a prayer deeply rooted in the liturgy of Rosh Hashanah. It proved so popular that this Rosh Hashanah–themed prayer became standard on Yom Kippur, as well, despite its clear foregrounding of judgement (Rosh Hashanah) rather than forgiveness (Yom Kippur). Its power lies in its direct confrontation with the themes of judgment, mortality, and the role of human agency in shaping fate.

The piyyut begins by establishing the significance of the day: God sits in judgment, weighing the deeds of all humanity; all beings pass before God, their fates recorded. The imagery is stark and unflinching—life and death, peace and turmoil, prosperity and hardship—all are laid out as potential outcomes for the year ahead. While the origins of U-netanah Tokef are often linked to a popular legend about the martyrdom of Rabbi Amnon of Mainz, Germany, in the 11th century, modern scholarship has revealed that the text of U-netanah Tokefis more than four centuries older than Rabbi Amnon and originated with the liturgical poet Eleazar ben Kalir in the Land of Israel.

Known for its famous lines, “Who shall live and who shall die, who by fire and who by water?” it’s a sobering reminder of the unpredictability of life and the many forces beyond our control. Yet, it also affirms that our actions—specifically, repentance, prayer, and charity—can mitigate the harshness of any decree. While the future is uncertain, our choices and behavior can influence the course of our lives. Fate is ours to make.

In contemporary Jewish practice, U-netanah Tokef resonates with many, regardless of background or level of observance. It forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about our mortality and the uncertainty of life. The prayer’s emphasis on repentance, prayer, and charity aligns with a broader commitment to justice, compassion, and ethical responsibility. It challenges us to consider how our actions, both individual and collective, shape the world and the future. As we recite these words, we are invited to engage deeply with our own lives, to reflect on our deeds, and to consider how we might contribute to a better world in the coming year.U-netanah Tokef is not just a reflection on divine judgment; it is a call to human responsibility.

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