The Shmonei Esrei

The Amidah – Its order and structure

Amidah = Shmonei Esrei

Amidah refers to the importance of standing before God. Shmonei Esrei refers to the number of blessings that were originally in the prayer

Shmonei Esrei = Eighteen Benidictions

A Jew fulfils his basic obligation to pray through the prayer of the Amidah – it is prayer par-excellance.
It expresses the ideal desires of a Jew as an individual and as part of a nation.
Prayer brings a person close to God, but also is a legitimate chance to request.


It was created by Men of the Great Assembly in 5th C. BCE. A nineteenth blessing was added in the first century CE, in reaction to rise of Saduccees.

Basic Laws

Should be said towards Israel
Feet together in prayer – so we are taking the posture of the angels (as in Ezekiel’s visions)
“Hannah spoke in her heart, only her lips moved, but her voice could not be heard”, so we should not raise our voice.
Approaching God and taking leave of God
Only interrupting the Shmonei Esrei in an emergency, not even if a dignitary greets you.

Structure

3 sections

Firstly an introductory section of 3 blessings of praise to God.
Secondly a middle section of petitions and requests.
Lastly three blessings thanking God and taking leave of Him.
Middle blessings are split into Personal and National requests Personal requests are spiritual and physical in that order On Shabbat and Festivals we do not include the middle 13 blessings – rather 1 blessing relating to the day

Amidah-- (also called Shmonei Esrei)-- The silent prayer said at home or in shul.

Mincha-- The afternoon prayer service, said just before sundown on Shabbat afternoon (Saturday

Maariv-- The evening prayer service, said after sundown at the conclusion of Shabbat (Saturday evening).