Addir Hu

("Mighty is He"). Alphabetical acrostic hymn of uncertain authorship, probably composed in 14th-century Germany; one of the popular songs which Ashkenazim sing in chorus on Passover eve after completing the formal part of the Seder service. A Judeo-German (Western Yiddish) version was once popular in Central Europe. Each stanza of Addir Hu serves to build up an alphabetical list of the Divine qualities and attributes, while the refrain calls upon God to restore His Sanctuary without delay. A standard Ashkenazi melody, known for centuries, has also entered the synagogue liturgy for Hallel on Passover, incidentally helping to popularize the hymn among Jews observing other rites (especially in Israel).

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