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Sefaria 24

Blessed and praised, glorified, and exalted and uplifted, honored and elevated and extolled 5 The ten expressions of praise in the Kaddish refer to the ten utterances by which God created the world. (See Maseches Avos 5:1.) be the Name of the Holy One, blessed is He;

above ( Ten Days of Penitence: far above) all the blessings and hymns, 6 May God be praised and exalted far beyond all the blessings, hymns and praises that are uttered.— Mishnah Berurah in the name of the Vilna Gaon 56:14. praises and consolations 7 Consolations are uttered because God is in mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of His people. which we utter in the world—and say Amein.

May there be abundant peace from heaven and a good life for us and for all Israel, —and say Amein.

He Who makes peace ( Ten Days of Penitence: the peace) in His high heavens may He, in His mercy, make peace for us and for all Israel, —and say Amein.

The custom of reciting a different psalm each day of the week originated in the Temple. The Mishnah (Maseches Tamid 7:4) describes the psalms which were chanted by the Levites each day during the service.

On Sunday:

Today is the first day of the week, on which the Levites used to recite in the Holy Temple:

A psalm of David: the earth is Adonoy's and the fullness thereof, 1 Rabbi Judah says in the name of Rabbi Akiva, "On the first day of the week, the Levites sang psalm 24, The earth is Adonoy's and the fullness thereof, because on that day God took possession of His newly created world for Himself, in order to give possession to mankind. Yet He remained the sole Master of the world."— Maseches Rosh Hashana 31a the inhabited world and those who dwell in it. For He founded it upon the seas, and established it upon rivers. Who may ascend the mountain 2 Ibn Ezra says that "mountain" refers to Mount Moriah, the location of the Temple. David composed this psalm on the day he purchased the Temple site from Aravna the Jebusite. of Adonoy, and who may stand in the place of His holiness? The clean of hands and the pure of heart, who has not borne My soul in vain, and has not sworn deceitfully. 3 He whose piety is genuine and who will not use the Name of God to deceive others.— S.R. Hirsch He will bear Adonoy's blessing 4 This person can expect that God will give him whatever will best serve his genuine welfare.— S.R. Hirsch and righteousness from the God of his deliverance. This is the generation of those who seek Him, the seekers of Your Presence, [God of] Jacob, 5 "Jacob" refers to all of Israel, the true descendants of the patriarch Jacob.— Radak Selah. Lift up your heads, gates, and be uplifted [you] entranceways to eternity, so that the King of Glory may enter. Who is this King of Glory? Adonoy, strong and mighty; Adonoy, the Mighty One in battle. Lift up your heads, gates, and lift, entranceways to eternity, so that the King of Glory may enter. Who is He, this King of Glory? Adonoy of hosts, He is the King of Glory, Selah.

On Monday:

Today is the second day of the week, on which the Levites used to recite in the Holy Temple:

A song, a psalm by the sons of Korach. 6 On the second day, psalm 48, "Adonoy is great and highly extolled," was sung by the Levites because on the second day of creation God separated the heavenly and earthly parts of the universe and ruled over both.— Maseches Rosh Hashana 31a Adonoy is great and highly extolled in the city of our God, the mountain of His Sanctuary. Beautiful in its panoramic vista, the joy of all the earth is Mount Zion, on the northern extremities (of Jerusalem); 7 Jerusalem is the source of all the joy in the world. Joy radiates from Jerusalem to the rest of the world because it is the center of the universe, both in terms of geography and history. The Temple era is the midpoint of the generations—of the generations which preceded the Temple, and of those which followed its destruction. The generations before the Temple were uplifted and imbued with the hopes of its realization; the later generations are drawn to its light by recalling its radiant glory and by anticipating its rebuilding. We mention Jerusalem at every joyous occasion to emphasize that it is the true source of joy.— Sfas Emes Tziyun is the Hebrew word for a monument, a memorial for someone who has died. When it is spelled " Tziyon, it refers to the site of God's Sanctuary, a timeless memorial for the preservation of truth in the midst of mankind. Even though the Temple has been destroyed, the mountain symbolically reminds man of the presence of the true God.— S.R. Hirsch the city of the great King. 8 Some commentators say that the great king refers to David, rather than to God. God, in its palaces, has become known as a Stronghold. For behold, the kings assembled, 9 The kings had assembled to attack Jerusalem.— Rashi they passed by together. They saw and were astounded, 10 When the kings, who assembled to attack Jerusalem, witnessed the wondrous deeds which God performed in His victorious battle against their armies, they were astounded and terrified.— Radak they panicked and fled in haste. Trembling siezed them there, like the pangs of a woman in labor. With an east wind You smashed the ships of Tarshish. As we heard, so we saw in the city of Adonoy of hosts, in the city of our God; may God establish it for eternity, Selah. We hoped, God, for Your lovingkindness in the midst of Your Sanctuary. As Your Name, God, so is Your praise— 11 We testify that Your wondrous deeds match the praise and exalted names which the Prophets used to describe Your might.— Radak to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters 12 Or cities of Judah. of Judah exult, because of Your judgments. Rally around Zion and encircle her, count her towers. Consider well her ramparts, raise high her citadels, that you may recount it to future generations. That this is God, our God forever and ever, He will lead us like children. 13 Hirsch and others translate, "He will lead us beyond death." They divide almus into two words al mus. Our translation follows Rashi, who renders it as one word.

On Tuesday:

Today is the third day of the week, on which the Levites used to recite in the Holy Temple:

A psalm of Assaf 14 Assaf was one of the ten composers who contributed to the Book of Psalms; he wrote eleven psalms (73-83). The leading Levite musician of his times, he was also endowed with the spirit of prophecy. God stands in the congregation of the Almighty, 15 The Talmud designates psalm 82 for the third day of the week because on the third day of Creation, God in His wisdom revealed the earth and established the world for His chosen "congregation." This psalm is an allusion to Genesis 1:9 where we read, " God said, ‘Let the waters beneath the heavens be gathered (congregate) into one place, so that the dry land may appear'." .— Maseches Rosh Hashana 31a in the midst of the judges He gives judgement. How long will you judge lawlessly and show partiality to the wicked forever? Render justice to the lowly and the orphan, deal righteously with the poor and destitute. Rescue the lowly and the needy, save them from the hand of the wicked. They neither know nor understand, 16 "They" refers to the judges. they walk along in darkness, all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 17 Justice is one of the three pillars upon which the earth rests (Maseches Avos 1:18). Without justice there is no stability in the world. I had said "You are godlike beings, all of you, sons of the Most High." Nevertheless, you shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes. Arise, God, judge the earth, for You will inherit all the nations.

On Wednesday:

Today is the fourth day of the week, on which the Levites used to recite in the Holy Temple:

Almighty of vengeance, Adonoy, 18 Psalm 94, "Almighty of vengeance" was sung on the fourth day because God created the sun and the moon on the fourth day, and He will punish those who worship them.— Maseches Rosh Hashana Almighty of vengeance, reveal Yourself. Arise Judge of the earth, repay the arrogant their just reward. How long shall the wicked— Adonoy— how long shall the wicked exult? They express, they speak with arrogance; all the evildoers are boastful. Adonoy, they crush Your people and Your heritage they oppress. The widow and stranger they kill, and orphans they murder. And they say, "God does not see, the God of Jacob is not concerned." Consider, [you] stupid [ones] among the people,— and you fools when will you become wise? He Who implanted the ear, does He not hear? He Who formed the eye, does He not see? He Who chastises nations, does He not reprove— He that teaches man knowledge? Adonoy knows the thoughts of men, that they are vanity. Fortunate is the man whom You chastise, God, and whom You instruct from Your Torah. To grant him tranquility from days of evil, until the pit is dug for the wicked. for Adonoy will not abandon His people and His inheritance, He will not forsake. For justice shall return unto righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Who will rise up for me against the wicked, who will stand up for me against the evildoers? Had Adonoy not been my help, in an instant my soul would have dwelt in the silent grave. If [Whenever] I said, my foot has slipped, Your kindliness, Adonoy upheld me. When (worrisome) thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations soothe my soul. Can a tribunal of evil have accord with You— [a tribunal] that makes iniquity into law? They gang up against the life of the righteous, and blood of the innocent they condemn. Adonoy has been my stronghold, my God the Rock of my refuge. He turns their violence against them, and with their own wickedness destroys them; Adonoy, my God, destroys them. Come let us sing to Adonoy; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our Deliverance. 19 This verse and the following two are from Psalms 95:1-3. Let us greet Him with thanksgiving; with song let us shout for joy to Him. for a great Almighty is Adonoy; a great King over all godlike beings.

On Thursday:

Today is the fifth day of the week, on which the Levites used to recite in the Holy Temple:

To Him Who grants victory— 20 Psalm 81 was designated for the fifth day "Because God created the birds and fish on that day." These creatures bring joy to the world and when people observe the vast variety of the bird and fish species, they are awed by God's creativity. They are thus inspired to sing joyously to God.— Maseches Rosh Hashana 31a upon the Gittis, 21 Gittis was a musical instrument that was manufactured in the town of Gat. a psalm of Assaf: Sing joyously to God, our strength, shout for joy to the God of Jacob. 22 Meiri associates the word הריעו with תרועה, sounding the shofar. Thus the verse reads, "Sound the shofar to the God of Jacob." Take up the hymn, sound the drum, the pleasant harp and the lute. Blow the shofar on the Rosh Chodesh, at the appointed time for our festive day. 23 The Talmud relates the word כסה with כסה, covering. All other festivals occur when the moon is clearly visible. Rosh Hashana occurs at the beginning of the month when the moon is barely visible.— Maseches Rosh Hashana 8a For it is a statute for Israel, a [day of] judgement of the God of Jacob. 24 S.R. Hirsch translates, "The God of Jacob sits in judgment." As a testimony for Yehosef, He ordained it 25 Joseph feared God's Name and refused to give in to the wiles of Potiphar's wife. Because he sanctified God's Name, he merited that the letter hei from God's Name should be added to his name, making it Yehosef, יהוסף.— Maseches Sotah 10b. when he went out over the land of Egypt, [where] an unfamiliar language I heard. From the burden, I removed his shoulder, his hands were removed from the cauldron. 26 Rashi says that this refers to the cooking and menial kitchen tasks which the Jewish slaves were forced to do in Egypt. In distress you called out, and I released you, I answered you [though you called] in secret [I answered you] thunderously; I tested you at the waters of Merivah. Selah. Hear, My people, I will testify about you, Israel, if you would just listen to Me. Let no strange god be within you, nor bow before a foreign god. I am Adonoy, your God, Who brought you up from the land of Egypt, open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 27 "Open your mouth wide" and state all your desires. But My people did not heed My voice, and Israel did not want Me. So I sent them to follow their heart's desires, let them follow their own devices. If only My people would heed Me, if Israel would walk in My ways. I would immediately subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their tormentors. Those who cause hate of Adonoy deceive [pretend obedience to] Him, but their time (of punishment) will be forever. But He would feed him (Israel) from the cream of the wheat, and from the rock, I would sate you with honey.

On Friday:

Today is the sixth day of the week, on which the Levites used to recite in the Holy Temple:

Adonoy has begun His reign, 28 On the sixth day, the Levites sang Psalm 93, "Adonoy has begun his reign, with majesty He has clothed Himself," because He completed the work of creation and reigned over all His creatures.— Maseches Rosh Hashana 31a with majesty He has clothed Himself; Adonoy clothed Himself, with strength He has girded Himself; He has firmly established the world, so that it cannot be moved. Your throne stands firm from of old, You are from eternity. The rivers have raised—Adonoy— the rivers have raised their voice, the rivers raise their raging waves. More than the roar of many waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea, mighty on high are You "Adonoy." Your testimonies are extremely faithful; holiness is becoming to Your House, Adonoy,—for the length of days.

The following psalm (104) is recited in many synagogues on Rosh Chodesh days, following the daily psalm.

My soul, bless Adonoy; Adonoy, my God, You are greatly exalted; with beauty and splendor are You clothed. Enwrapped in light, garment-like, He spreads out the heavens like a curtain. He Who covers His upper chambers with water, 1 This refers to the "waters that are above the skies" (Genesis 1:6-7; Psalms 148:14).— Metsudas Dovid He Who makes clouds His chariot, He Who walks upon wings of wind. He Who makes winds His messengers, flaming fires His servants. He Who established the earth upon its foundations, [so] that it shall never be moved.

The deep, He covered as with a garment; 2 God covers the depths of the seas in order to prevent them from overflowing and destroying the world.— Metsudas Dovid the waters remain on mountains. 3 Even though the nature of water is to flow downward, God nevertheless ordered that there be water on the highest mountains.— Metsudas Dovid At Your shout they retreated, at Your thunderous voice they hastened away. 4 This sentence describes God's command, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place" (Genesis 1:9).— Metsudas Dovid They go up mountains, down into valleys, to the specific place You founded for them. You set a boundary 5 The sand is the boundary; the water may not cross it to flood the earth.— Rashi [which] they may not cross, lest they return to cover the earth.

He Who sends springs into streams to flow between the mountains; to water all the beasts of the fields; the wild ones quench their thirst. Over them dwell the birds of the sky, from among the branches, they give voice. [You] Who waters the mountains from His upper chambers, 6 See footnote 00. from the fruit of Your works 7 "The fruit of Your works" refers to the rain which satisfies the needs of the earth.— Metsudas Dovid the earth is sated.

[You] Who causes grass to sprout for cattle, and vegetation for the labor of man, to bring forth bread from the earth; wine to cheer the heart of man, to make [his] face shine from oil, and bread to sustain the heart of man. Adonoy's trees are sated, 8 The trees are satisfied with the rain. the cedars of Lebanon that He planted; where birds make their nests, the stork—the firs are her home. The high mountains [are] for the wild goats, the rocks a refuge for the rabbits.

He made the moon to fix seasons the sun knows its place to set. You make darkness and night comes, in which move about all the beasts of the forest. —The young lions roar for prey, and seek their food from the Almighty. [When] the sun rises, they gather and come into their dens to lie. Man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening.

How many are Your works, Adonoy! You made them all with wisdom; the earth is full of Your possessions! This sea, great and wide— therein are innumerable creeping things, animals small and great. There ships travel; this Leviathan 9 According to tradition, God created the Leviathan with a mate but slew her in order that they not reproduce. Because of their tremendous size, they would have brought much destruction to the world (See Rashi in Genesis 1:21).— Rashi You formed to frolic with. They all look to You expectantly, to provide their food in its time. [When] You give it to them, they gather it in; [when] You open Your hand, they are sated with goodness. When You hide Your face, 10 When God withdraws His sustaining power from any creature or being, it perishes. they are panic-stricken; When You gather in their breath, they perish, and to their dust they return. When You send Your spirit, 11 This refers to the era when God will restore life to the dead.— Rashi they will be created [anew]; and You will renew the face of the earth.

The glory of Adonoy will endure forever, Adonoy will rejoice in His works— Who gazes upon the earth and it trembles; Who touches the mountains and they erupt. I will sing to Adonoy with my life; I will offer hymns to my God as long as I am alive. May my words be pleasant to Him; I will rejoice in Adonoy. 12 When God accepts my prayer, I will rejoice in His deliverance.— Metsudas Dovici Sin will be excised from the earth, and the wicked will be no more; My soul bless Adonoy, Praise God.

The following psalm (27) is recited at the conclusion of services, morning and evenings, from the first day of Elul, through Shemini Atzeres. Others say only until Hoasha'na Rabbah. The psalm voices our prayer that God will be our light on Rosh Hashana enabling us to repel the darkness of sin through true repentance, and that He will be our salvation on Yom Kippur, through His compassionate atonement of our sins.

By David: Adonoy is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? Adonoy is the strength 1 Rav S.R. Hirsch translates, "Adonoy is the source of my life's strength," thus David declares that God is the fount from which his life derives its power to resist all foes. of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers approach me to devour my flesh— my tormentors and my foes they stumble and fall. If an army should encamp against me, my heart would not fear; if war were to rise against me, in this 2 David says that he trusts in the declaration stated in the opening verse, "Adonoy is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?— Rashi, Radak I trust. One thing I request of Adonoy, [only] that shall I seek, that I may dwell 3 The literal translation of שבתי is "my sitting." The Talmud states that "no man may ‘sit' in the courtyard of the Temple except for the kings of the House of David." —Maseches Sotah 40b in the House of Adonoy all the days of my life, to behold the pleasantness of Adonoy, and to meditate in His Sanctuary. For He will hide me in His Tabernacle 4 The Vilna Gaon comments that all the commandments pertaining to Succos are implied in this verse and the next. on the day of distress, He will conceal me in the shelter of His Tent, upon a rock He will lift me. And now my head is raised high above my enemies around me; 5 David declares, "Because I look up to God in every aspect of my existence, I am so exalted that no enemy can harm me.— S.R. Hirsch and I will offer in His Tent, sacrifices accompanied by trumpets of joy; I will sing and chant to Adonoy. Adonoy, hear my voice 6 This verse alludes to Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. "Hear my voice," refers to Rosh Hashana when we sound the shofar. The word "my voice (sound)" refers to the "voice" of the shofar. "When I call" refers to Yom Kippur, about which Isaiah (55:6) said, "call to Him when He is near."— Siddur HaGra when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. Of You, my heart has said, Seek My Presence; Your Presence, Adonoy I will seek. Conceal not Your Presence from me, do not turn away Your servant in anger. You have been my help; neither cast me off nor abandon me, God of my deliverance. When my father and mother abandon 7 Even if I were so depraved that my own mother and father would abandon me to my own devices, God would still gather me up and believe in my ability to mend my ways.— S.R. Hirsch me, Adonoy will gather me up. Adonoy, teach me Your way, and lead me in the path of uprightness, because of my watchers. 8 I.e., his enemies. David asks for Divine help that he be saved even from the mere semblance of wrongdoing so that his foes should not be able to rejoice over his faults.— S.R. Hirsch Do not deliver me to the will of my tormentors, for false witnesses have risen against me, who breathe violence. Had I not believed 9 "These false witnesses would have destroyed me had I not believed that I would see the goodness of God in the land of the living."— Rashi, Radak that I would see the goodness of Adonoy in the land of living. 10 There are various interpretations of the "Land of the living." Some hold that it refers to the present world in which we live —Metsudas Tzion; Ramban holds that it refers to the World-to-Come; and Malbim says that it refers to Eretz Yisroel. Hope to Adonoy, be strong and He will give you courage; and hope to Adonoy.

Exalted and sanctified 1 These opening words refer to the fulfillment of God's prophecy, through Ezekiel (38:23) "And I will thus exalt Myself and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of the many nations, and they will know that I am Adonoy."— Levush, Siddur HaGra . One should be very careful to emphasize the letter gimel (ג) when saying the word "Yisgadal (יִתְגַּדַּל)," in order that it not be heard as "Yis k adal (יִתְקַּדַל)," from the word קְדָל which means neck.— Mishnah Berurah 56:2 be His great Name

in the world which He created according to His will and may He rule His kingdom. 2 May His sovereignty be revealed. In your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, speedily and in the near future 3 We pray that the redemption will come speedily and that the process of the redemption itself will not be prolonged.— Siddur HaGra — and say Amein.

May His great Name be blessed forever and for all eternity. 4 This phrase, the heart of the Kaddish, is found almost verbatim in Daniel 2:20.

Blessed and praised, glorified, and exalted and uplifted, honored and elevated and extolled 5 The ten expressions of praise in the Kaddish refer to the ten utterances by which God created the world. (See Maseches Avos 5:1.) be the Name of the Holy One, blessed is He;

above ( Ten Days of Penitence: far above) all the blessings and hymns, 6 May God be praised and exalted far beyond all the blessings, hymns and praises that are uttered.— Mishnah Berurah in the name of the Vilna Gaon 56:14. praises and consolations 7 Consolations are uttered because God is in mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of His people. which we utter in the world—and say Amein.

May there be abundant peace from heaven and a good life for us and for all Israel, —and say Amein.

He Who makes peace ( Ten Days of Penitence: the peace) in His high heavens may He, in His mercy, make peace for us and for all Israel, —and say Amein.

Hope to Adonoy; be strong and He will give you courage and hope to Adonoy. There is none holy like Adonoy for there is none beside You and thee is no stronghold like our God. For who is a god other than Adonoy and who is a stronghold beside our God.

There is none like our God. There is none like our Master. There is none like our King. There is none like our Deliverer. Who is like our God? Who is like our Master? Who is like our King? Who is like our Deliverer? Let us thank our God. Let us thank our Master. Let us thank our King. Let us thank our deliverer. Blessed is our God. Blesed is our Master. Blessed is our King. Blessed is our Deliverer. You are our God. You are our Master. You are our King. You are our Deliverer.

you are He, Adonoy, our God, and God of our fathers before whom our fathers burned the incenese offering.

The composition of the incense consisted of balm, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense— by weight, seventy maneh of each; myrrh, cassia, spikenard and saffron by weight— sixteen maneh of each; twelve maneh of costus, three maneh of aromatic bark, and nine maneh of cinnamon. [Also used in compounding the incense were:] Nine kabin of Carshina lye, Cyprus wine [measuring] three s'in and three kabin— if he had no Cyprus wine, he could used strong white wine— a fourth of a kab of Sodom salt, and a minute quantity of maaleh ashan. Rabbi Nosson of Babylonia says, Add a minute quantity of Jordan amber. If one added honey, the incense became unfit; and if one omitted any of its spices he was liable to the death penalty.

Rabbi Shimon ben Gamliel says: The balm is nothing but sap which drips from the balsam tree. Why was Carshina lye used? To refine the onycha in order to make it pleasant. Why was Cyprus wine used? The onycha was soaked in it to give it a pungent odor. Though the water of Raglayim was well suited for that purpose, they did not bring the water of Raglayim into the Temple because it would be disrespectful.

It was taught in the school of Elijah; Whoever studies halachos every day, he is assured of life in the World-to-Come, for it is said, The ways (halichos) of the world are His." Do not read halichos, but halachos:

Rabbi Eliezer said on behalf of Rabbi Chanina: the disciples of the wise increase peace in the world, for it is said: ‘and all your children will be disciples of Adonoy's [Torah]; and great will be the peace of your children.' Do not read banayich [your children] but read bonayich [your builders]. Great is the peace of those who love Your Torah, and they will have no stumbling block [misfortune]. Let there be peace within your moats, serenity within your palaces. For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will say: ‘peace be with you.' For the sake of the House of Adonoy, our God, I will seek [pray for] your good. Adonoy will give strength unto His people; Adonoy will bless his people with peace.

Exalted and sanctified 1 These opening words refer to the fulfillment of God's prophecy, through Ezekiel (38:23) "And I will thus exalt Myself and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of the many nations, and they will know that I am Adonoy."— Levush, Siddur HaGra . One should be very careful to emphasize the letter gimel (ג) when saying the word "Yisgadal (יִתְגַּדַּל)," in order that it not be heard as "Yis k adal (יִתְקַּדַל)," from the word קְדָל which means neck.— Mishnah Berurah 56:2 be His great Name

in the world which He created according to His will and may He rule His kingdom. 2 May His sovereignty be revealed. In your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, speedily and in the near future 3 We pray that the redemption will come speedily and that the process of the redemption itself will not be prolonged.— Siddur HaGra — and say Amein.

May His great Name be blessed forever and for all eternity. 4 This phrase, the heart of the Kaddish, is found almost verbatim in Daniel 2:20.

Blessed and praised, glorified, and exalted and uplifted, honored and elevated and extolled 5 The ten expressions of praise in the Kaddish refer to the ten utterances by which God created the world. (See Maseches Avos 5:1.) be the Name of the Holy One, blessed is He;

above ( Ten Days of Penitence: far above) all the blessings and hymns, 6 May God be praised and exalted far beyond all the blessings, hymns and praises that are uttered.— Mishnah Berurah in the name of the Vilna Gaon 56:14. praises and consolations 7 Consolations are uttered because God is in mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of His people. which we utter in the world—and say Amein.

Upon Israel, and upon our Sages, and upon their disciples, and upon all the disciples of their disciples, and upon all those who engage in Torah study in this land and in every land. May there be unto them and unto you abundant peace, favor, kindness, compassion, long life, ample sustenance and redemption from their Father Who is in heaven and on earth, —and say Amein.

May there be abundant peace from heaven and a good life for us and for all Israel, —and say Amein.

He Who makes peace ( Ten Days of Penitence: the peace) in His high heavens may He, in His mercy, make peace for us and for all Israel, —and say Amein.

The Chazzan says:

Bless Adonoy Who is blessed.

The Congregation responds and the Chazzan repeats:

Blessed is Adonoy, Who is blessed forever and ever.

The Exodus

...in order that you remember the day you came out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life. 1 Deuteronomy 16:3.

The Revelation at Mount Sinai

Only beware, and guard you soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes have seen; lest they be removed from your heart all the days of your life; and make them known to your children and to your children's children. [That what you witnessed] the day you stood before Adonoy your God at Chorev. 2 Deuteronomy 4:9-10.

The Attack of Amalek

Remember what Amalek did to you on the way, as you came out of Egypt! How he encountered you on the way, and he cut off all the weak ones [who were straggling] behind you, when you were weary and exhausted; and he did not fear God. 3 Other commentators say that these words refer to the Jewish people, who did not fear God. When Adonoy, Your God, will relieve you from all your enemies around you, in the land which Adonoy, your God, gives you as a possession to inherit; you shall eradicate the memory of Amalek from beneath the heavens. Do not forget. 4 Deuteronomy 25:17-19.

The Sin of the Golden Calf

Remember, do not forget, how you provoked Adonoy, Your God, in the desert. 5 Deuteronomy 9:7.

What Happened to Miriam

Remember what Adonoy, your God, did to Miriam on the way, when you came out of Egypt. 6 Deuteronomy 24:9.

The Sabbath

Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it. 7 Exodus 20:8.

1. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, is the Creator and Guide of all created things, and He alone has made, does make, and will make all things.

2. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, is unique, and there is no uniqueness like His in any manner; and that He alone is our God, Who was, is, and will ever be.

3. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, is not corporeal, and that He is beyond all corporeal concepts, and there is nothing at all comparable to Him.

4. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, is First and Last.

5. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, is the only One to Whom it is proper to pray, and it is not proper to pray to any being beside Him

6. I believe with complete faith that all the words of the prophets are true.

7. I believe with complete faith that the prophecy of our teacher, Moses, may he rest in peace, was true, and that he was the father of all prophets, —of those who preceded him, and of those who followed him.

8. I believe with complete faith that the entire Torah which is now in our possession, is the very one that was given to our teacher Moses, may he rest in peace.

9. I believe with complete faith that this Torah will not be exchanged, and that no additional Torah [will be given] by the Creator, blessed is His Name.

10. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, knows all the deeds of men and all their thoughts, as it is said, 2 Psalms 33:15. He Who forms all their hearts as one, Who comprehends all their deeds.

11. I believe with complete faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, rewards those who keep His commandments, and punishes those who transgress His commandments.

12. I believe with complete faith in the coming of the Messiah and even though he may tarry, nevertheless, I yearn every day for his coming.

13. I believe with complete faith that there will be a resurrection of the dead at a time that pleases the Creator, blessed is His Name, and His Name will be exalted forever and to all eternity.

Fortunate are those who dwell in Your house; 1 This verse referred to the Kohanim and the Levites who served (dwelt) in the Holy Temple (Your House); it is at all times applicable to scholars and devout men who study and pray in houses of worship and study. may they continue to praise You, Selah. 2 Psalms 84:5. Fortunate is the people whose lot is thus; fortunate is the people for whom Adonoy is their God. 3 Psalms 144:15. A praise by David! I will exalt You, my God, the King, and bless Your Name forever and ever. Every day I will bless You 4 According to Rav S.R. Hirsch, David here declares, "I will dedicate myself to serve You and to fulfill Your will in loyal obedience," for in serving God, man causes His Name to be blessed. and extol Your Name forever and ever. Adonoy is great and highly extolled, and His greatness is unfathomable. One generation to another will praise Your works, and Your mighty acts they will declare. The splendor of Your glorious majesty, and the words 5 Not simply נפלאתיך—a report of Your wonders—but דברי נפלאתיך the "words"—the lessons that Your wonders teach.— S.R. Hirsch of Your wonders I will speak. Of Your awesome might, they 6 People in general will speak of God's wondrous might in punishing the wicked (Sodom, Egypt, etc.) while David will proclaim that God's greatness is measured more by His kindliness than by His awesomeness.— Siach Yitzchok will speak, and Your greatness I will recount. Mention of Your bountifulness they will express, and in Your righteousness joyfully exult. Adonoy is gracious and merciful, 7 He is gracious in bestowing reward and merciful in punishment.— Siach Yitzchok slow to anger and great in kindliness. Adonoy is good to all, His mercy encompasses all His works. All Your works will thank You, Adonoy, and Your pious ones will bless You. 8 Your works, which are the cause of your being thanked by sensitive people; similarly, cause your pious ones to bless You.—based on S.R. Hirsch. Of the honor of Your kingship, they will speak, and Your might they will declare. To reveal to men His mighty acts, and the glorious splendor of His kingship. Your kingship is the kingship for all times, and Your dominion is in every generation. Adonoy supports all the fallen, and straightens all the bent. The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food at its proper time. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living being. Adonoy is just in all His ways and benevolent in all His deeds. 9 The penalties for transgressions are just, but God is gracious in the actual punishment inflicted on the sinner.— Siddur HaGra Adonoy is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. 10 He is near to all who call upon Him, but His nearness can be perceived only by those who call upon Him in truth, who truly mean to have God enter into their lives.— S.R. Hirsch The will of those who fear Him, He fulfills; He hears their cry and delivers them. 11 While God hears all who cry unto Him in truth. He answers those who fear Him, who subject their desires to His will.— Siach Yitzchok Adonoy watches over all those who love Him, and will destroy all the wicked. Praise of Adonoy, my mouth will declare and all flesh will bless His holy Name forever and ever. And we will bless God from now forever. Praise God. 12 Psalms 115:18. You should pause between עולם and הללויה. Similarly, in all the Psalms, the word הללויה is not connected to the preceding verse.

The Half-Kaddish is recited by the Chazzan

Exalted and sanctified 1 These opening words refer to the fulfillment of God's prophecy, through Ezekiel (38:23) "And I will thus exalt Myself and sanctify Myself; and I will be known in the eyes of the many nations, and they will know that I am Adonoy."— Levush, Siddur HaGra . One should be very careful to emphasize the letter gimel (ג) when saying the word "Yisgadal (יִתְגַּדַּל)," in order that it not be heard as "Yis k adal (יִתְקַּדַל)," from the word קְדָל which means neck.— Mishnah Berurah 56:2 be His great Name

in the world which He created according to His will and may He rule His kingdom. 2 May His sovereignty be revealed. In your lifetime and in your days, and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, speedily and in the near future 3 We pray that the redemption will come speedily and that the process of the redemption itself will not be prolonged.— Siddur HaGra — and say Amein.

May His great Name be blessed forever and for all eternity.

Blessed and praised, glorified, and exalted and uplifted, honored and elevated and extolled 5 The ten expressions of praise in the Kaddish refer to the ten utterances by which God created the world. (See Maseches Avos 5:1.) be the Name of the Holy One, blessed is He;

above ( Ten Days of Penitence: far above) all the blessings and hymns, 6 May God be praised and exalted far beyond all the blessings, hymns and praises that are uttered.— Mishnah Berurah in the name of the Vilna Gaon 56:14. praises and consolations 7 Consolations are uttered because God is in mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the exile of His people. which we utter in the world—and say Amein.

Fundamentals of Kuzari, (Metsudah Publications, 1979) pages 269, 271, 273. When reciting Shemoneh Esrei, you must adhere to these rules: 1. Before beginning the prayer, take three steps backwards and then return to your former position. Upon completing the prayer, take three steps backwards and return. 2. Keep your feet together. 3. Concentrate on the meaning of the words you are uttering. Remove all distracting thoughts and worries from your mind. 4. You may not interrupt Shemoneh Esrei by talking, not even by answering Amein. If you should hear Kedushah, Kaddish, or Barechu while saying the Shemoneh Esrei, you should remain silent and listen to the Chazzan's words. 5. At the beginning and end of the first blessing, at the beginning and end of the blessing that begins: "We are thankful to You," (page 133) and ends with "The Beneficent is Your Name," (page 140) we half-kneel and bow in the following manner: At the word "Blessed," bend your knees; at the word "You," bend forward until the vertebrae of your spinal cord are loosened; at "Adonoy," return to your upright position in keeping with the verse, "Adonoy straightens the bent" (Psalms 146:8). 6. Each individual recites Shemoneh Esrei in silence. Only the prayer leader, the Chazzan, ever recites it aloud, and then only after the entire congregation, himself included, has recited it silently.

When I proclaim Adonoy's Name attribute greatness to our God.

My Master, 1 When God's name is spelled Alef-Daled-Nun-Yud it means "my Master", i.e., it is a personal declaration of the person uttering it. When it is spelled Yud-Hey-Vov-Hey, it indicates God as the Creator of all.— Avudraham open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise. 2 Psalms 51:17.

Blessed 3 The first blessing of Shemoneh Esrei contains eighteen expressions of praise which parallel the Eighteen Benedictions. are You, Adonoy, our God, and God of our fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, the Almighty, the Great, the Powerful, the Awesome, most high Almighty, Who bestows beneficent kindness, Who possesses everything, Who remembers the piety of the Patriarchs, and Who brings a redeemer to their children's children, for the sake of His Name, with love.

(During the Ten Days of Penitence add: Remember us for life King, Who desires life; and inscribe us in the Book of Life, for Your sake, Living God.) 4 We ask God for life so that we can fulfill His purpose in creating us, i.e., to observe and fulfill His commandments.

If you forgot to say this, and became aware of your omission before saying the blessing, you should recite it. If you have already said "Blessed are You Adonoy," you must continue the prayers without saying "Remember."

King, Helper, and Deliverer and Shield. 5 God is a helper in all the fortunes of life by giving us the necessary energy and talents to succeed. He delivers us from both moral and physical suffering, and He shields us by keeping tragedy and evil influences from us. Blessed are You, Adonoy, Shield of Abraham. 6 These words complete the first blessing of Shemoneh Esrei called "Avos" (Patriarchs). And here too we bend our knees and bow when saying, "Blessed are You." The major theme of this section is to praise God as "the Great", as manifested in the Divine protection and providence He gave to the Patriarchs, of whom Abraham was the first.— Vilna Gaon

You are mighty forever, 7 God's rule of the world is permanent and perpetual.— Kuzari my Master; You are the Resurrector of the dead 8 This is the emphatic expression of our belief in the immortality of the soul.— Kuzari the Powerful One 9 This passage begins the section of Shemoneh Esrei called "Gevuros" (Might) and its major theme is to praise God as "the Mighty One." Who alone restores man to life, health, freedom, and well-being.— Vilna Gaon to deliver us.

From the Musaf of the first day of Pesach until the Musaf of Shemini Atzeres one should say: