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ChabadU Prayer Jewish Meditation

Amidah: Shemoneh Esrei, Part 1

Logging-on – Praise

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Amidah: Shemoneh Esrei 1: Logging-on – Praise

The very idea of prayer is absurd--a tiny creature speaking with its Creator, like a figment of your imagination talking back to you. Once you accept that absurdity, you are ready to stand in the awe of prayer.
Handouts:
 Amidah  
Audio: Listen to Audio | Download this MP3
Topics: Amidah, Meditation
By Tzvi Freeman
Tzvi Freeman is the author of Bringing Heaven Down to Earth and, more recently, Wisdom to Heal the Earth. Subscribe to The Daily Dose of Wisdom and Freeman Files for regular updates.
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18 Comments
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Jay SARASOTA March 9, 2020

If the Amidah is also know as 18 Blessing and there are 19 why not change the name to 19 Blessing and make it less confusing? Reply

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman April 21, 2020
in response to Jay:

Insightful query. This is another example of evidence of a deeper strata of meaning in the prayers and the way we speak of them. The count of 18 blessings is only one reason this is called the shmoneh esrei. There is much more alluded to in the name it’s been given. Reply

Jenifer Nech Houston, TX September 12, 2018

Bless you Rabbi Freeman. Such a wonderful teacher. You have helped me understand my faith. Reply

Allan Koven Laguna Woods January 8, 2018

None of this makes sense to me. Why? Because God does't need us to pray to
Him. He knows all. He created all our thoughts. So why does the Amidah hold such importance.? Perhaps as a meditation. That is our need, not Gods.
Sorry, I just don't get it. Reply

Brandon Freywald Daytona Beach July 11, 2023
in response to Allan Koven:

I think that the point is the relationship that is formed, developed and enjoyed with Him. Reply

Tony Sabella July 5, 2016

Amidah I was so impressed by this video of the Amidah. I recently converted to Judaism and at times I feel so overwhelmed by all the prayers. All your videos are so helpful. Atah will be my new mantra when saying this prayer.
Reply

Tamyla Maryland October 27, 2015

Amidah I'm grateful for your explanation. It helps me understand in a deeper way and next time I'm in synagogue, the prayer will be more meaningful for me. Reply

Shimon Greenblatt USA July 22, 2015

I am new to chabad.org but I'm really enjoying it. I'm very familiar with Jewish prayers and customs, but to hear it explained in the manner that Rabbi presents it is very refreshing. Reply

robin Oklahoma December 26, 2014

Sabbath Amidah Shaloam
Is there a Sabbath Amidah? I only see the one for the weekday Reply

Rut USA December 27, 2012

Amidah:Shemonei Esrei I wasn't sure what the Amidah was. Now, thanks to you Rabbi Freeman I know. I do not know why as you spoke, and I was aknowledging your words, my whole body started to rock as if the wind was blowing on me. What a wonderful feeling of Hashem's, blessed be He, presence. Thank you so much. Many blessings to you my dear Rabbi and brother. Reply

Rivkah Redmond, WA April 16, 2012

Wonderful! I went through the Modeh Ani prayer a few weeks ago and have incorporated that into my routine each morning. My kids are familiar with the prayer now as well and I had them start your classes today to gain deeper meaning. I am so excited to start the Amidah. What an invaluable resource to have right in my living room! Thank you so much and many blessings to you and yours! Reply

Jon kelly huntington beach, ca August 14, 2011

Amidah I cannot tell you how much my 14 year old son and I look forward to your lessons. We thank you for your time and effort. Do not stop. Reply

Rabbi Tzvi Freeman December 21, 2009

Re: Amidah from Anonymous The first blessing ends "Magen Avraham." The second ends "Mechayeh Hameitim." Reply

Anonymous December 21, 2009

Amidah i am listening to your shiur and it is fantastic. why do you not count the MECHAYEH HAMETIM ("He Who Revives the Dead")? i am confused, i thought in part one we have four brachot (blessings). thank you . Reply

Ester Tarnogol Buenos Aires, Argentina November 22, 2009

Amidah Rabbi
Thank you very much for the way you teach us,
Every day I thank G-d for let me be closer to Chabad and to the Rebe.
I live in Argentina and our Jabad is the most wonderful place we have.
G-d bless you Reply

Janice Allen Denver, CO/USa November 22, 2009

Amidah Beautiful!, Inspirational, Wonderous!

It's good to stop, take time and reflect upon these ancient words so often spoken quickly methodically and sometimes in rote.

Blessing
Rav Freeman Reply

Anonymous November 17, 2009

Amidah Moda Ani, The Shema, Kaddish sentence-Amen yehey shmey rabba ... , and now The Amidah. i am having a field day or rather you are providing it. really appreciate how you teach these in short doses.. You present a lot in a few minutes. The Amidah will be the most demanding so far due to its length, but it is off to a great start. hope to get to parts two and three this week.
Thanks so much. Reply

Tzipi Riverside November 16, 2009

Amidah This was another wonderful meditation. I have learned so much from Rav Tzvi Freeman's meditations. Keep em coming! Reply

Jewish Meditation
In order to give one’s words wings with which they may fly, we endeavor to infuse them with meditative intentions. Learning to inspire prayer with meditation greatly enhances the experience and imbues it with enhanced meaning and reach. This series offers guided meditations appropriate to everyday prayer.
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