Shemoneh Esrei, pronounced "Sh'moh-neh Es-ray," literally means "eighteen" in Hebrew. It is the common name given to the Amidah, the central and most important prayer in Jewish liturgy, recited while standing.
The Origin of the Name "Eighteen"
The name "Shemoneh Esrei" originates from the original number of blessings that comprised this prayer. Historically, when the prayer was codified, it contained eighteen distinct blessings. These blessings cover a wide range of themes, including praise of God, requests for various needs (such as wisdom, healing, and redemption), and expressions of gratitude.
However, over time, a nineteenth blessing was added to the weekday Amidah. This addition, often attributed to Rabban Gamliel II in Yavneh, was a supplication against heretics and informers. Despite this addition, the traditional name "Shemoneh Esrei" has remained in common use, referring to the prayer even though the typical weekday version now consists of nineteen blessings.
Significance and Structure of the Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei)
The Amidah is the core of every Jewish prayer service – morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Maariv), as well as on Shabbat and holidays (Musaf). It is recited silently by the congregation while standing and then often repeated aloud by the prayer leader.
The structure of the Amidah is generally divided into three main sections:
- Praise (First 3 Blessings): These blessings establish a connection with God, praising His attributes, His holiness, and His historical relationship with the Jewish people.
- Requests (Middle 13/14 Blessings): This section, which forms the bulk of the weekday Amidah, contains petitions for various communal and individual needs, such as health, sustenance, wisdom, forgiveness, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem. On Shabbat and holidays, these requests are replaced by blessings that highlight the sanctity of the day.
- Thanksgiving (Last 3 Blessings): The final blessings express gratitude for God's kindness, blessings, and peace, concluding with a plea for universal peace.
Understanding Shemoneh Esrei involves appreciating its historical development, its core meaning as a prayer of eighteen (originally) or nineteen blessings, and its central role in daily Jewish spiritual life.
