Amidah

  • Ritual

Theological Basis and Structure

  1. Historical Origins: The Amidah is believed to have been composed by the Anshei Knesset HaGedolah (Men of the Great Assembly) around the 5th century BCE. It was originally structured around 18 blessings, hence the alternative name Shemoneh Esrei.

  2. Basic Structure: The Amidah is divided into three sections:

    • Praise: The first three blessings focus on praising God, recognizing His power and holiness.

    • Petitions: The middle section comprises 12 (originally) to 19 blessings on weekdays, each asking God for different aspects of wellbeing (health, justice, forgiveness, etc.). On Shabbat and holidays, these are replaced by a single blessing relevant to the day.

    • Thanksgiving: The final section consists of blessings that express gratitude to God and ask for peace.

Recitation and Practice

  1. When Recited: The Amidah is recited three times daily during the prayer services of Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon), and Maariv (evening).

  2. Posture and Focus: The prayer is recited while standing with feet together, symbolizing the standing presence before God. It is customary to face Jerusalem during the Amidah.

  3. Silent Prayer: Initially, the Amidah is recited silently by individuals, emphasizing personal meditation and connection with God. In communal settings, it is often followed by a repetition aloud by the prayer leader (chazzan).

Theological Significance

  1. Personal Communion with God: The Amidah is seen as a time of intimate conversation with God, reflecting the personal relationship between the individual and the divine.

  2. Spiritual and Communal Aspects: While the Amidah is a personal prayer, its structure and themes also reflect communal needs and aspirations, highlighting the interconnection between individual and community in Jewish spirituality.

  3. Holistic Prayer: The Amidah encompasses a wide range of themes - praise, petition, and thanksgiving - presenting a holistic approach to prayer that balances human needs and desires with recognition and gratitude towards God.

Variations

  • The content of the Amidah varies slightly between weekdays, Shabbat, and Jewish holidays, reflecting the specific character and needs of these days.

Contemporary Relevance

  • The Amidah remains a cornerstone of Jewish prayer life, central to both individual and communal worship. It serves as a daily practice that connects Jews to their tradition, history, and God.


Name

Amidah

Description

The Amidah (עמידה), also known as the Shemoneh Esrei (שמונה עשרה, "Eighteen"), is a central prayer in Jewish liturgy. Traditionally recited while standing (hence the name Amidah, which means "standing"), it is a pivotal component of Jewish worship, observed during the daily prayer services.

Types

Ritual

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Religions

Judaism