Amidah

What is the Amidah?

The Amidah, sometimes called the Standing Prayer or Shemoneh Esrei, is one of the most important prayers in Judaism. The word Amidah means “standing” in Hebrew, because it is always recited while standing, facing towards Jerusalem. This prayer is said three times a day—morning, afternoon and evening—and additional versions are used on Shabbat and festivals. Many Jews see the Amidah as the central moment of Jewish worship, when the worshipper stands directly before God.

Structure of the Prayer

The Amidah is carefully structured and divided into three main sections. It begins with blessings of praise, which remind the worshipper of God’s greatness, mercy and holiness. The middle section focuses on requests: on weekdays, these include petitions for wisdom, forgiveness, healing, prosperity and peace. However, on Shabbat and festivals, the requests are replaced with prayers that focus instead on the holiness of the day and the importance of rest. The final section of the Amidah is about thanksgiving, where Jews thank God for His goodness, mercy, and for the gift of peace in the world.

How the Amidah is Performed

In practice, the Amidah is usually recited silently by each individual, who concentrates on their personal relationship with God. Afterwards, it may be repeated aloud by the prayer leader, known as the chazzan. Worshippers stand with their feet together throughout the prayer as a sign of humility and focus, and at particular moments they bow or take small steps forwards or backwards to symbolise entering or leaving God’s presence. These physical actions reinforce the idea that prayer is a meeting with the divine.

Why the Amidah is Important

The Amidah is highly significant for Jews. It helps them connect with God on a personal and communal level, as it is prayed by Jewish communities across the world at the same times each day, all facing towards Jerusalem. This creates a strong sense of unity and shared faith. The themes of the Amidah also reflect central Jewish beliefs: God’s power and mercy, the hope for peace, the importance of forgiveness, healing, and the eventual coming of the Messiah. By reciting it daily, Jews bring these values into their lives and strengthen their identity as part of the Jewish people.

For many Jews, the Amidah is not simply another prayer, but the heart of worship. It provides moments of praise, petition and gratitude, ensuring that prayer covers every aspect of a believer’s relationship with God. Because of this, the Amidah remains a vital part of Jewish religious practice and identity today.