A special prayer for God's merciful forgiveness of our sins, even though we have not earned it. It is recited in the morning prayers on Mondays and Thursdays because these were the days when the Beit Din (courts) of ancient Israel met. It is believed that the Supreme Court in Heaven also meets on these days. The prayer is also recited on Mondays and Thursdays because some Jews historically fasted on these days.
There are many legends regarding the author of the prayer and the time of its composition. According to one version, this prayer was composed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, the father of Titus, who destroyed the Temple. According to this version, Vespasian placed a number of Jews on three ships from which the rudders were removed. The ships were helplessly tossed about on the waves. However, Divine Providence saved these ships from destruction. They landed on the shores of France: in the cities of Lyon, Arles, and Bordeaux. At first, the long-suffering refugees were graciously received. But years passed, and the new ruler proved to be a very cruel man. He stripped the refugees of all their property and threatened to expel them from the province. The Jews began fasting, praying to the Almighty for salvation. It was then that the leaders of the community, Joseph, Benjamin, and Samuel, composed this prayer, consisting of three parts.