<P> Unetanneh Tokef is recited immediately prior to and as an introduction for the kedusha prayer, during which the angelic sanctification of God is mentioned . Unetanneh Tokef adapts this daily praise to the specific elements intrinsic to the High Holidays, namely the Divine judgment of all existence . In most printed editions, Unetanneh Tokef consists of four paragraphs, each reflecting a different aspect of this general topic . </P> <P> The theme of a divine decree being written derives, at least in part, to a Talmudic teaching: </P> <Dl> <Dd> <Dl> <Dd> On Rosh Hashana, three books are opened (in Heaven)--one for the thoroughly wicked, one for the thoroughly righteous, and one for those in - between . The thoroughly righteous are immediately inscribed clearly in the Book of Life . The thoroughly wicked are immediately inscribed clearly in the Book of Death . The fate of those in - between is postponed from Rosh Hashana until Yom Kippur, at which time those who are deserving are then inscribed in the Book of Life, those who are undeserving are then inscribed in the Book of Death . (T.B., Rosh Hashana 16b) </Dd> </Dl> </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> <Dl> <Dd> On Rosh Hashana, three books are opened (in Heaven)--one for the thoroughly wicked, one for the thoroughly righteous, and one for those in - between . The thoroughly righteous are immediately inscribed clearly in the Book of Life . The thoroughly wicked are immediately inscribed clearly in the Book of Death . The fate of those in - between is postponed from Rosh Hashana until Yom Kippur, at which time those who are deserving are then inscribed in the Book of Life, those who are undeserving are then inscribed in the Book of Death . (T.B., Rosh Hashana 16b) </Dd> </Dl> </Dd>

Who by fire who by water yom kippur