The word literally means "standing position", and gives its name to the central part of the three daily prayers. It is also called shemoneh ‘esreh, meaning "eighteen blessings".
As the word itself suggests, it is recited standing and with great concentration, first quietly by each person praying, and then aloud by the chazzan. During the prayer, one turns the face in the direction of the Temple of Jerusalem, indicated normally in the synagogue, but also at home, by a decorated plaque called a mizrach, which means east. The ‘amidah is also called tefillah, meaning prayer par excellence.
Depending on the time it is recited, the ‘amidah is composed of 18 or 19 berakhot:
- Blessed are You, Lord, defender of Abraham
- Blessed are You, Lord, who resurrects the dead (in the future times of the Messiah)
- Blessed are You, Lord, holy G-d
- Blessed are You, Lord, who grants knowledge
- Blessed are You, Lord, who welcomes repentance
- Blessed are You, Lord, who wishes to be lenient
- Blessed are You, Lord, redeemer of Israel
- Blessed are You, Lord, healer of the sick of the people of Israel
- Blessed are You, Lord, who blesses the years
- Blessed are You, Lord, who gathers the dispersed of Your people Israel
- Blessed are You, Lord, who shatters the enemies and humbles the wicked
- Blessed are You, Lord, King who loves charity and justice
- Blessed are You, Lord, builder of Jerusalem
- Blessed are You, Lord, who brings salvation to life
- Blessed are You, Lord, who listens to prayer
- Blessed are You, Lord, who answers in times of misfortune and brings salvation
- Blessed are You, Lord, who in your mercy will make Your dwelling (Shechinah) in Zion
- Blessed are You, Lord, whose Name is good and to whom we must render homage
- Blessed are You, Lord, who blesses Your people Israel with peace
Source: Elena Loewenthal, “gli ebrei questi sconosciuti”