Naming God: Avinu Malkeinu-Our Father, Our King

One of the oldest and most beloved prayers—known even to Jews who rarely attend synagogue—is Avinu Malkeinu ("Our Father, Our King"), a liturgical staple for the entire High Holy Day period. "Our Father, Our King" has resonance also for Christians, whose Lord's Prayer begins "Our Father."

Despite its popularity, Avinu Malkeinu causes great debate because of the difficulties in thinking of G...