Adon Olam (Master of the World) is a very old poem that is recited by Jews every day at the beginning of Shacharit, the morning prayers. While we are not certain who the author of this poem is, most authorities attribute it to Rabbi Shlomo ibn Gabirol, the great poet of 11th-Century Spain. The poem is recited before Shacharit to recall the memory of Avraham our Father, who was the first to call HaShem "Adonai" -- "My Master" and who instituted the Shacharit prayers.

The majesty of this poem became quickly apparent. As with the Aleinu being added to every service when it was, originally, intended for, just, the High Holy Days, Adon Olam in the Ashkenazic world, because of the popularity of the words, brought it to the conclusion of most services throughout western Europe and American services.

Master of the World who was king,
Before any form was created.

At the time when He made all through His will,
Then His name was called 'King'.

And after all is gone,
He, the Awesome One, will reign alone.

And He was, and He is,
And He will be in splendor.

And He is One, and there is no second,
To compare to Him or be His equal.

Without beginning, without end,
To Him is the power and rulership.

And He is my God and my living Redeemer,
And the Rock of my fate in times of distress.

He is my banner and He is a refuge for me,
My portion on the day I cry out,

In His hand I entrust my spirit,
When I sleep and when I wake.