Yah Ribon | Lord of All Worlds | Historic Jewish Sabbath Hymn | Berish Horowitz

Yah Ribon (יה רבון עלם ועלמיא), meaning “Lord of All Worlds,” is a historic Jewish Sabbath hymn written in Aramaic by Rabbi Israel Najara in the late 16th century. Its recurring refrain, “Ant Hu Malka Melekh Malkhaya,” proclaims God the King of Kings. Drawing partly on the biblical Book of Daniel, the hymn celebrates God's greatness, the wonders of creation, and all living beings. It concludes with a prayer for deliverance from exile and the restoration of Jerusalem. The opening letters of its five stanzas spell Israel, the poet's name. Although the words never explicitly mention the Sabbath, Yah Ribon became one of the most beloved songs of the Friday evening Sabbath meal, passed down through generations in many different melodies. The melody was composed by Berish Horowitz, known as Berish Vishever after his hometown of Visheve (Vișeu de Sus in Romanian). He sent it to Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum, later the Satmar Rebbe, while he was serving as rabbi of Karali (Carei in Romanian). Preserved in the Satmar tradition, the melody is also used during the ritual waving of the Four Species on Sukkot and for the High Holiday prayer “Chamol.” Berish Horowitz composed melodies for several Hasidic communities. He was murdered at Auschwitz in 1944, but his music continues to be sung today. Credits: Hymn text: Rabbi Israel Najara (16th century) Melody: Berish Horowitz Musical and choir arrangement: Chaim Y. Goldman Recording: Letav VeLachayin (לטב ולחיין) Album credit: Yosef Waldman