Aleinu is the Jewish prayer traditionally recited near the end of every service.
The prayer praises God and expresses hope for the universal recognition of divine sovereignty. Its name comes from its opening Hebrew words, meaning “it is our duty.” In many prayer books, Aleinu appears near the conclusion of the morning, afternoon, and evening services.
Aleinu is traditionally attributed to Rav, a third-century Babylonian Jewish sage, although historians generally treat its authorship and early development as more complex. It was originally associated with the Rosh Hashanah liturgy and later became part of daily prayer.
A common mix-up is confusing Aleinu with the Mourner’s Kaddish. Kaddish is a family of sanctifying prayers, while Aleinu is a distinct hymn of praise and dedication. Some communities bow during its opening passage, reflecting older worship customs.