When
When to say it
Night — after nightfall, ideally before midnight; it may be said until dawn (Mishnah Berachot 1:1; check your local times).
Berachot 26bDirect Source
Yaakov instituted the evening prayer: “He encountered the place and spent the night there” (Bereishit 28:11). It was once optional; Jews long ago accepted it as a fixed obligation (Berachot 27b; Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 1:6).
Before: Comes after the evening Shema and its blessings (two before and two after). With a minyan, half-Kaddish, then the Amidah.
Halachic note: Times, seasonal inserts, and what to do if you forget one (for example “mashiv haru’ach” in winter) have detailed rules that differ between communities. Pray from your community’s siddur, and ask your rabbi about your own practice.
How to stand
The choreography
- Find a quiet place and face Jerusalem (in the Americas and Europe, generally east).
- Take three steps back, then three steps forward — approaching the King.
- Stand with your feet together.
- Say the opening verse (below).
- At the first blessing: bend your knees at “Baruch,” bow at “atah,” and stand straight at “Adonai.” Do the same at its end, “Baruch atah Adonai, magen Avraham.”
- Pray quietly — loud enough that you hear yourself, but not others.
- At Modim (blessing 18): bow at the beginning and at the end.
- After blessing 19, say the closing prayer, “Elohai n’tzor” (My God, guard my tongue from evil).
- Take three steps back. Bow left at “Oseh shalom bimromav,” right at “hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu,” and forward at “v’al kol Yisrael, v’imru amen.”
- Stand in place a moment, then take three steps forward.
Jump to a blessing:
The full text
The Amidah
Opening verse (Tehillim 51:17)
אֲדֹנָי שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח, וּפִי יַגִּיד תְּהִלָּתֶךָ.
Say itAdonai s’fatai tiftach, ufi yagid t’hilatecha.
Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.
💡 Take three steps forward, feet together, and begin.
Praise · blessings 1–3
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Avot אָבוֹת · Our ancestors
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם, אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק, וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב, הָאֵל הַגָּדוֹל הַגִּבּוֹר וְהַנּוֹרָא, אֵל עֶלְיוֹן, גּוֹמֵל חֲסָדִים טוֹבִים, וְקוֹנֵה הַכֹּל, וְזוֹכֵר חַסְדֵי אָבוֹת, וּמֵבִיא גוֹאֵל לִבְנֵי בְנֵיהֶם, לְמַעַן שְׁמוֹ בְּאַהֲבָה. מֶלֶךְ עוֹזֵר וּמוֹשִׁיעַ וּמָגֵן. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מָגֵן אַבְרָהָם.
Say itBaruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu v’Elohei avoteinu, Elohei Avraham, Elohei Yitzchak, v’Elohei Ya’akov, ha’El hagadol hagibor v’hanora, El elyon, gomel chasadim tovim, v’koneh hakol, v’zocher chasdei avot, umevi go’el livnei v’neihem, l’ma’an sh’mo b’ahavah. Melech ozer umoshi’a umagen. Baruch atah Adonai, magen Avraham.
Blessed are You, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, God of Avraham, God of Yitzchak, and God of Yaakov; the great, mighty and awesome God, God Most High, who bestows loving-kindness and creates all things, who remembers the kindness of the ancestors and will lovingly bring a redeemer to their children’s children for the sake of His name. King, Helper, Savior and Shield. Blessed are You, Lord, Shield of Avraham.
💡 Bend the knees at the first “Baruch,” bow at “atah,” stand straight at “Adonai.” Do the same at the closing “Baruch atah Adonai.”
2
Gevurot גְּבוּרוֹת · Hashem’s might
אַתָּה גִּבּוֹר לְעוֹלָם אֲדֹנָי, מְחַיֵּה מֵתִים אַתָּה, רַב לְהוֹשִׁיעַ. [בַּחֹרֶף: מַשִּׁיב הָרוּחַ וּמוֹרִיד הַגֶּשֶׁם.] מְכַלְכֵּל חַיִּים בְּחֶסֶד, מְחַיֵּה מֵתִים בְּרַחֲמִים רַבִּים, סוֹמֵךְ נוֹפְלִים, וְרוֹפֵא חוֹלִים, וּמַתִּיר אֲסוּרִים, וּמְקַיֵּם אֱמוּנָתוֹ לִישֵׁנֵי עָפָר. מִי כָמוֹךָ בַּעַל גְּבוּרוֹת וּמִי דּוֹמֶה לָּךְ, מֶלֶךְ מֵמִית וּמְחַיֶּה וּמַצְמִיחַ יְשׁוּעָה. וְנֶאֱמָן אַתָּה לְהַחֲיוֹת מֵתִים. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מְחַיֵּה הַמֵּתִים.
Say itAtah gibor l’olam Adonai, m’chayeh meitim atah, rav l’hoshi’a. [In winter: Mashiv haru’ach umorid hagashem.] M’chalkel chayim b’chesed, m’chayeh meitim b’rachamim rabim, somech noflim, v’rofe cholim, umatir asurim, um’kayem emunato lisheinei afar. Mi chamocha ba’al g’vurot umi domeh lach, melech meimit um’chayeh umatzmi’ach y’shu’ah. V’ne’eman atah l’hachayot meitim. Baruch atah Adonai, m’chayeh hameitim.
You are mighty forever, Lord; You revive the dead; You are great to save. [In winter: You make the wind blow and the rain fall.] You sustain the living with kindness and revive the dead with great compassion. You support the falling, heal the sick, free the bound, and keep faith with those who sleep in the dust. Who is like You, Master of mighty deeds, and who can compare to You — King who brings death and restores life and makes salvation flourish? You are faithful to revive the dead. Blessed are You, Lord, who revives the dead.
💡 The rain line is said from Shemini Atzeret until the first day of Pesach. In summer, Ashkenazim outside Israel say nothing in its place.
3
Kedushat Hashem קְדֻשַּׁת הַשֵּׁם · Holiness
אַתָּה קָדוֹשׁ וְשִׁמְךָ קָדוֹשׁ, וּקְדוֹשִׁים בְּכָל יוֹם יְהַלְלוּךָ סֶּלָה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה הָאֵל הַקָּדוֹשׁ.
Say itAtah kadosh v’shimcha kadosh, uk’doshim b’chol yom y’hal’lucha selah. Baruch atah Adonai, ha’El hakadosh.
You are holy and Your name is holy, and holy ones praise You every day, Selah. Blessed are You, Lord, the holy God.
💡 When praying with a minyan, this blessing is replaced in the leader’s repetition by the Kedushah (see below).
Requests · blessings 4–16
4
Da’at דַּעַת · Understanding
אַתָּה חוֹנֵן לְאָדָם דַּעַת, וּמְלַמֵּד לֶאֱנוֹשׁ בִּינָה. חָנֵּנוּ מֵאִתְּךָ דֵּעָה בִּינָה וְהַשְׂכֵּל. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה חוֹנֵן הַדָּעַת.
Say itAtah chonen l’adam da’at, um’lamed le’enosh binah. Chonenu me’it’cha de’ah binah v’haskel. Baruch atah Adonai, chonen hada’at.
You graciously give people knowledge and teach mortals understanding. Graciously grant us from You knowledge, understanding and insight. Blessed are You, Lord, who graciously grants knowledge.
💡 The first thing we ask for is wisdom — without it, we wouldn’t know what else to ask for.
5
Teshuvah תְּשׁוּבָה · Return
הֲשִׁיבֵנוּ אָבִינוּ לְתוֹרָתֶךָ, וְקָרְבֵנוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ לַעֲבוֹדָתֶךָ, וְהַחֲזִירֵנוּ בִּתְשׁוּבָה שְׁלֵמָה לְפָנֶיךָ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה הָרוֹצֶה בִּתְשׁוּבָה.
Say itHashiveinu avinu l’Toratecha, v’karveinu malkeinu la’avodatecha, v’hachazireinu bitshuvah sh’leimah l’fanecha. Baruch atah Adonai, harotzeh bitshuvah.
Bring us back, our Father, to Your Torah; draw us near, our King, to Your service; and return us in complete repentance before You. Blessed are You, Lord, who desires repentance.
6
Selichah סְלִיחָה · Forgiveness
סְלַח לָנוּ אָבִינוּ כִּי חָטָאנוּ, מְחַל לָנוּ מַלְכֵּנוּ כִּי פָשָׁעְנוּ, כִּי מוֹחֵל וְסוֹלֵחַ אָתָּה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה חַנּוּן הַמַּרְבֶּה לִסְלֹחַ.
Say itS’lach lanu avinu ki chatanu, m’chol lanu malkeinu ki fashanu, ki mochel v’solei’ach atah. Baruch atah Adonai, chanun hamarbeh lislo’ach.
Forgive us, our Father, for we have sinned; pardon us, our King, for we have transgressed; for You pardon and forgive. Blessed are You, Lord, the gracious One who forgives abundantly.
💡 Many gently tap their chest with the right fist at “chatanu” and “fashanu.”
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Ge’ulah גְּאֻלָּה · Redemption
רְאֵה בְעָנְיֵנוּ, וְרִיבָה רִיבֵנוּ, וּגְאָלֵנוּ מְהֵרָה לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ, כִּי גּוֹאֵל חָזָק אָתָּה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה גּוֹאֵל יִשְׂרָאֵל.
Say itR’eh v’onyeinu, v’rivah riveinu, ug’aleinu m’heirah l’ma’an sh’mecha, ki go’el chazak atah. Baruch atah Adonai, go’el Yisrael.
Look upon our suffering, fight our battles, and redeem us speedily for the sake of Your name, for You are a mighty Redeemer. Blessed are You, Lord, Redeemer of Israel.
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Refu’ah רְפוּאָה · Healing
רְפָאֵנוּ יְהוָה וְנֵרָפֵא, הוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ וְנִוָּשֵׁעָה, כִּי תְהִלָּתֵנוּ אָתָּה, וְהַעֲלֵה רְפוּאָה שְׁלֵמָה לְכָל מַכּוֹתֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶלֶךְ רוֹפֵא נֶאֱמָן וְרַחֲמָן אָתָּה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה רוֹפֵא חוֹלֵי עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל.
Say itR’fa’einu Adonai v’nerafei, hoshi’einu v’nivashei’a, ki t’hilateinu atah, v’ha’aleh r’fu’ah sh’leimah l’chol makoteinu, ki El melech rofe ne’eman v’rachaman atah. Baruch atah Adonai, rofe cholei amo Yisrael.
Heal us, Lord, and we will be healed; save us and we will be saved, for You are our praise. Bring complete healing to all our wounds, for You, God and King, are a faithful and compassionate Healer. Blessed are You, Lord, who heals the sick of His people Israel.
💡 To pray for someone who is ill, add before “ki El melech”: “Y’hi ratzon mil’fanecha Adonai Elohai v’Elohei avotai, shetishlach m’heirah r’fu’ah sh’leimah min hashamayim, r’fu’at hanefesh ur’fu’at haguf, for (name) son/daughter of (mother’s name), b’toch sh’ar cholei Yisrael” — “May it be Your will… to send a complete healing of soul and body to (name), among all the sick of Israel.”
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Birkat HaShanim בִּרְכַּת הַשָּׁנִים · A blessed year
בָּרֵךְ עָלֵינוּ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ אֶת הַשָּׁנָה הַזֹּאת וְאֶת כָּל מִינֵי תְבוּאָתָהּ לְטוֹבָה, וְתֵן [בַּחֹרֶף: טַל וּמָטָר לִבְרָכָה / בַּקַּיִץ: בְּרָכָה] עַל פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה, וְשַׂבְּעֵנוּ מִטּוּבָהּ, וּבָרֵךְ שְׁנָתֵנוּ כַּשָּׁנִים הַטּוֹבוֹת. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מְבָרֵךְ הַשָּׁנִים.
Say itBareich aleinu Adonai Eloheinu et hashanah hazot v’et kol minei t’vu’atah l’tovah, v’ten [winter: tal umatar livrachah / summer: b’rachah] al p’nei ha’adamah, v’sab’einu mituvah, uvareich sh’nateinu kashanim hatovot. Baruch atah Adonai, m’vareich hashanim.
Bless this year for us, Lord our God, and all its kinds of produce for good; and grant [in winter: dew and rain for a blessing / in summer: blessing] on the face of the earth. Satisfy us from its goodness, and bless our year like the good years. Blessed are You, Lord, who blesses the years.
💡 Outside Israel, “tal umatar” begins at Maariv on December 4 (December 5 before a civil leap year) and continues until Pesach. In Israel it begins on 7 Cheshvan.
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Kibbutz Galuyot קִבּוּץ גָּלֻיּוֹת · Ingathering of exiles
תְּקַע בְּשׁוֹפָר גָּדוֹל לְחֵרוּתֵנוּ, וְשָׂא נֵס לְקַבֵּץ גָּלֻיּוֹתֵינוּ, וְקַבְּצֵנוּ יַחַד מֵאַרְבַּע כַּנְפוֹת הָאָרֶץ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מְקַבֵּץ נִדְחֵי עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל.
Say itT’ka b’shofar gadol l’cheiruteinu, v’sa nes l’kabetz galuyoteinu, v’kab’tzeinu yachad me’arba kanfot ha’aretz. Baruch atah Adonai, m’kabetz nidchei amo Yisrael.
Sound the great shofar for our freedom, raise a banner to gather our exiles, and gather us together from the four corners of the earth. Blessed are You, Lord, who gathers the dispersed of His people Israel.
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Din דִּין · Justice
הָשִׁיבָה שׁוֹפְטֵינוּ כְּבָרִאשׁוֹנָה, וְיוֹעֲצֵינוּ כְּבַתְּחִלָּה, וְהָסֵר מִמֶּנּוּ יָגוֹן וַאֲנָחָה, וּמְלוֹךְ עָלֵינוּ אַתָּה יְהוָה לְבַדְּךָ בְּחֶסֶד וּבְרַחֲמִים, וְצַדְּקֵנוּ בַּמִּשְׁפָּט. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מֶלֶךְ אוֹהֵב צְדָקָה וּמִשְׁפָּט.
Say itHashivah shofteinu k’varishonah, v’yo’atzeinu k’vat’chilah, v’haseir mimenu yagon va’anachah, um’loch aleinu atah Adonai l’vad’cha b’chesed uv’rachamim, v’tzadkeinu bamishpat. Baruch atah Adonai, melech ohev tz’dakah umishpat.
Restore our judges as at first and our counselors as in the beginning; remove from us sorrow and sighing; and reign over us, You alone, Lord, with kindness and compassion, and vindicate us in judgment. Blessed are You, Lord, King who loves righteousness and justice.
💡 During the Ten Days of Repentance the ending changes to “hamelech hamishpat” — the King of judgment.
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Birkat HaMinim בִּרְכַּת הַמִּינִים · Against those who seek to destroy
וְלַמַּלְשִׁינִים אַל תְּהִי תִקְוָה, וְכָל הָרִשְׁעָה כְּרֶגַע תֹּאבֵד, וְכָל אֹיְבֶיךָ מְהֵרָה יִכָּרֵתוּ, וְהַזֵּדִים מְהֵרָה תְעַקֵּר וּתְשַׁבֵּר וּתְמַגֵּר וְתַכְנִיעַ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה שׁוֹבֵר אֹיְבִים וּמַכְנִיעַ זֵדִים.
Say itV’lamalshinim al t’hi tikvah, v’chol harish’ah k’rega toveid, v’chol oy’vecha m’heirah yikareitu, v’hazeidim m’heirah t’akeir ut’shabeir ut’mageir v’tachni’a bimheirah v’yameinu. Baruch atah Adonai, shoveir oy’vim umachni’a zeidim.
For the slanderers let there be no hope; may all wickedness perish in an instant; may all Your enemies be swiftly cut off; and may You swiftly uproot, crush, cast down and humble the arrogant, speedily in our days. Blessed are You, Lord, who breaks enemies and humbles the arrogant.
💡 Composed by Shmuel HaKatan at Yavneh and added to the original eighteen (Berachot 28b) — which is why the “Shemoneh Esrei” (eighteen) has nineteen.
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Tzaddikim צַדִּיקִים · The righteous
עַל הַצַּדִּיקִים וְעַל הַחֲסִידִים, וְעַל זִקְנֵי עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְעַל פְּלֵיטַת סוֹפְרֵיהֶם, וְעַל גֵּרֵי הַצֶּדֶק וְעָלֵינוּ, יֶהֱמוּ נָא רַחֲמֶיךָ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ, וְתֵן שָׂכָר טוֹב לְכָל הַבּוֹטְחִים בְּשִׁמְךָ בֶּאֱמֶת, וְשִׂים חֶלְקֵנוּ עִמָּהֶם לְעוֹלָם, וְלֹא נֵבוֹשׁ כִּי בְךָ בָטָחְנוּ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מִשְׁעָן וּמִבְטָח לַצַּדִּיקִים.
Say itAl hatzaddikim v’al hachasidim, v’al ziknei amcha beit Yisrael, v’al p’leitat sof’reihem, v’al gerei hatzedek v’aleinu, yehemu na rachamecha Adonai Eloheinu, v’ten sachar tov l’chol habot’chim b’shimcha be’emet, v’sim chelkeinu imahem l’olam, v’lo neivosh ki v’cha batachnu. Baruch atah Adonai, mish’an umivtach latzaddikim.
On the righteous, on the pious, on the elders of Your people the House of Israel, on the remnant of their scholars, on righteous converts, and on us — may Your compassion be aroused, Lord our God. Give good reward to all who truly trust in Your name; set our lot with them forever, and we will never be ashamed, for in You we trust. Blessed are You, Lord, the support and trust of the righteous.
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Binyan Yerushalayim בִּנְיַן יְרוּשָׁלַיִם · Rebuilding Jerusalem
וְלִירוּשָׁלַיִם עִירְךָ בְּרַחֲמִים תָּשׁוּב, וְתִשְׁכּוֹן בְּתוֹכָהּ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבַּרְתָּ, וּבְנֵה אוֹתָהּ בְּקָרוֹב בְּיָמֵינוּ בִּנְיַן עוֹלָם, וְכִסֵּא דָוִד מְהֵרָה לְתוֹכָהּ תָּכִין. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה בּוֹנֵה יְרוּשָׁלָיִם.
Say itV’lirushalayim ir’cha b’rachamim tashuv, v’tishkon b’tochah ka’asher dibarta, uv’nei otah b’karov b’yameinu binyan olam, v’chisei David m’heirah l’tochah tachin. Baruch atah Adonai, boneh Y’rushalayim.
Return in compassion to Jerusalem, Your city, and dwell in it as You promised. Rebuild it soon, in our days, as an everlasting structure, and speedily establish the throne of David within it. Blessed are You, Lord, who builds Jerusalem.
15
Malchut Beit David מַלְכוּת בֵּית דָּוִד · Mashiach
אֶת צֶמַח דָּוִד עַבְדְּךָ מְהֵרָה תַצְמִיחַ, וְקַרְנוֹ תָּרוּם בִּישׁוּעָתֶךָ, כִּי לִישׁוּעָתְךָ קִוִּינוּ כָּל הַיּוֹם. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה מַצְמִיחַ קֶרֶן יְשׁוּעָה.
Say itEt tzemach David avd’cha m’heirah tatzmi’ach, v’karno tarum bishu’atecha, ki lishu’at’cha kivinu kol hayom. Baruch atah Adonai, matzmi’ach keren y’shu’ah.
Speedily make the offshoot of David, Your servant, flourish, and raise his strength through Your salvation, for we hope for Your salvation all day long. Blessed are You, Lord, who makes the strength of salvation flourish.
16
Shome’a Tefillah שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה · Hear our prayer
שְׁמַע קוֹלֵנוּ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ, חוּס וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ, וְקַבֵּל בְּרַחֲמִים וּבְרָצוֹן אֶת תְּפִלָּתֵנוּ, כִּי אֵל שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלּוֹת וְתַחֲנוּנִים אָתָּה, וּמִלְּפָנֶיךָ מַלְכֵּנוּ רֵיקָם אַל תְּשִׁיבֵנוּ, כִּי אַתָּה שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלַּת עַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּרַחֲמִים. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה שׁוֹמֵעַ תְּפִלָּה.
Say itSh’ma koleinu Adonai Eloheinu, chus v’racheim aleinu, v’kabeil b’rachamim uv’ratzon et t’filateinu, ki El shomei’a t’filot v’tachanunim atah, umil’fanecha malkeinu reikam al t’shiveinu, ki atah shomei’a t’filat amcha Yisrael b’rachamim. Baruch atah Adonai, shomei’a t’filah.
Hear our voice, Lord our God; have pity and compassion on us, and accept our prayer with compassion and favor, for You are God who hears prayers and pleas. Do not turn us away empty-handed, our King, for You hear the prayer of Your people Israel with compassion. Blessed are You, Lord, who hears prayer.
💡 This is the place for your own words. Before “ki atah shomei’a,” you may add any personal request, in any language (Avodah Zarah 8a).
Thanks · blessings 17–19
17
Avodah עֲבוֹדָה · Service
רְצֵה יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ בְּעַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל וּבִתְפִלָּתָם, וְהָשֵׁב אֶת הָעֲבוֹדָה לִדְבִיר בֵּיתֶךָ, וְאִשֵּׁי יִשְׂרָאֵל וּתְפִלָּתָם בְּאַהֲבָה תְקַבֵּל בְּרָצוֹן, וּתְהִי לְרָצוֹן תָּמִיד עֲבוֹדַת יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמֶּךָ. [יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא] וְתֶחֱזֶינָה עֵינֵינוּ בְּשׁוּבְךָ לְצִיּוֹן בְּרַחֲמִים. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה הַמַּחֲזִיר שְׁכִינָתוֹ לְצִיּוֹן.
Say itR’tzeh Adonai Eloheinu b’amcha Yisrael uvitfilatam, v’hasheiv et ha’avodah lidvir beitecha, v’ishei Yisrael ut’filatam b’ahavah t’kabeil b’ratzon, ut’hi l’ratzon tamid avodat Yisrael amecha. [Ya’aleh v’yavo] V’techezenah eineinu b’shuv’cha l’Tziyon b’rachamim. Baruch atah Adonai, hamachazir sh’chinato l’Tziyon.
Be pleased, Lord our God, with Your people Israel and their prayer. Restore the service to the inner sanctuary of Your House, and accept Israel’s offerings and prayer with love and favor. May the service of Your people Israel always be pleasing to You. [On Rosh Chodesh and Chol HaMoed: Ya’aleh v’yavo — below.] May our eyes see Your return to Zion in compassion. Blessed are You, Lord, who restores His Presence to Zion.
Ya’aleh V’yavo — on Rosh Chodesh and Chol HaMoed, in blessing 17
אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, יַעֲלֶה וְיָבֹא וְיַגִּיעַ וְיֵרָאֶה וְיֵרָצֶה וְיִשָּׁמַע וְיִפָּקֵד וְיִזָּכֵר זִכְרוֹנֵנוּ וּפִקְדוֹנֵנוּ, וְזִכְרוֹן אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, וְזִכְרוֹן מָשִׁיחַ בֶּן דָּוִד עַבְדֶּךָ, וְזִכְרוֹן יְרוּשָׁלַיִם עִיר קָדְשֶׁךָ, וְזִכְרוֹן כָּל עַמְּךָ בֵּית יִשְׂרָאֵל לְפָנֶיךָ, לִפְלֵיטָה לְטוֹבָה, לְחֵן וּלְחֶסֶד וּלְרַחֲמִים, לְחַיִּים וּלְשָׁלוֹם, בְּיוֹם [רֹאשׁ הַחֹדֶשׁ הַזֶּה / חַג הַמַּצּוֹת הַזֶּה / חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת הַזֶּה]. זָכְרֵנוּ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ בּוֹ לְטוֹבָה, וּפָקְדֵנוּ בוֹ לִבְרָכָה, וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ בוֹ לְחַיִּים. וּבִדְבַר יְשׁוּעָה וְרַחֲמִים חוּס וְחָנֵּנוּ, וְרַחֵם עָלֵינוּ וְהוֹשִׁיעֵנוּ, כִּי אֵלֶיךָ עֵינֵינוּ, כִּי אֵל מֶלֶךְ חַנּוּן וְרַחוּם אָתָּה.
Say itEloheinu v’Elohei avoteinu, ya’aleh v’yavo v’yagi’a v’yera’eh v’yeiratzeh v’yishama v’yipakeid v’yizacheir zichroneinu ufikdoneinu, v’zichron avoteinu, v’zichron mashi’ach ben David avdecha, v’zichron Y’rushalayim ir kodshecha, v’zichron kol amcha beit Yisrael l’fanecha, lif’leitah l’tovah, l’chein ul’chesed ul’rachamim, l’chayim ul’shalom, b’yom [Rosh Chodesh: rosh hachodesh hazeh / Pesach: chag hamatzot hazeh / Sukkot: chag hasukkot hazeh]. Zochreinu Adonai Eloheinu bo l’tovah, ufokdeinu vo livrachah, v’hoshi’einu vo l’chayim. Uvidvar y’shu’ah v’rachamim chus v’choneinu, v’racheim aleinu v’hoshi’einu, ki eilecha eineinu, ki El melech chanun v’rachum atah.
Our God and God of our ancestors, may there rise, come, reach, appear, be favored, heard, considered and remembered before You our remembrance and our account; the remembrance of our ancestors; the remembrance of Mashiach son of David, Your servant; the remembrance of Jerusalem, Your holy city; and the remembrance of all Your people, the House of Israel — for deliverance and good, for grace, kindness and compassion, for life and peace, on this day of [Rosh Chodesh / the Festival of Matzot / the Festival of Sukkot]. Remember us on it, Lord our God, for good; recall us on it for blessing; save us on it for life. With a word of salvation and compassion, spare us and be gracious to us; have compassion on us and save us, for our eyes are turned to You, for You are God, the gracious and compassionate King.
💡 Say the words for the day in brackets: Rosh Chodesh, Pesach or Sukkot.
18
Hoda’ah הוֹדָאָה · Thanks (Modim)
מוֹדִים אֲנַחְנוּ לָךְ, שָׁאַתָּה הוּא יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. צוּר חַיֵּינוּ, מָגֵן יִשְׁעֵנוּ, אַתָּה הוּא לְדוֹר וָדוֹר. נוֹדֶה לְּךָ וּנְסַפֵּר תְּהִלָּתֶךָ, עַל חַיֵּינוּ הַמְּסוּרִים בְּיָדֶךָ, וְעַל נִשְׁמוֹתֵינוּ הַפְּקוּדוֹת לָךְ, וְעַל נִסֶּיךָ שֶׁבְּכָל יוֹם עִמָּנוּ, וְעַל נִפְלְאוֹתֶיךָ וְטוֹבוֹתֶיךָ שֶׁבְּכָל עֵת, עֶרֶב וָבֹקֶר וְצָהֳרָיִם. הַטּוֹב כִּי לֹא כָלוּ רַחֲמֶיךָ, וְהַמְרַחֵם כִּי לֹא תַמּוּ חֲסָדֶיךָ, מֵעוֹלָם קִוִּינוּ לָךְ. [עַל הַנִּסִּים] וְעַל כֻּלָּם יִתְבָּרַךְ וְיִתְרוֹמַם שִׁמְךָ מַלְכֵּנוּ תָּמִיד לְעוֹלָם וָעֶד. וְכֹל הַחַיִּים יוֹדוּךָ סֶּלָה, וִיהַלְלוּ אֶת שִׁמְךָ בֶּאֱמֶת, הָאֵל יְשׁוּעָתֵנוּ וְעֶזְרָתֵנוּ סֶלָה. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה הַטּוֹב שִׁמְךָ וּלְךָ נָאֶה לְהוֹדוֹת.
Say itModim anachnu lach, sha’atah hu Adonai Eloheinu v’Elohei avoteinu l’olam va’ed. Tzur chayeinu, magein yish’einu, atah hu l’dor vador. Nodeh l’cha un’sapeir t’hilatecha, al chayeinu ham’surim b’yadecha, v’al nishmoteinu hap’kudot lach, v’al nisecha sheb’chol yom imanu, v’al nifl’otecha v’tovotecha sheb’chol eit, erev vavoker v’tzohorayim. Hatov ki lo chalu rachamecha, v’ham’racheim ki lo tamu chasadecha, mei’olam kivinu lach. [Al HaNissim] V’al kulam yitbarach v’yitromam shimcha malkeinu tamid l’olam va’ed. V’chol hachayim yoducha selah, vihal’lu et shimcha be’emet, ha’El y’shu’ateinu v’ezrateinu selah. Baruch atah Adonai, hatov shimcha ul’cha na’eh l’hodot.
We thank You, for You are the Lord our God and God of our ancestors forever. You are the Rock of our lives, the Shield of our salvation, in every generation. We thank You and tell Your praise — for our lives, which are entrusted into Your hand; for our souls, which are in Your care; for Your miracles that are with us every day; and for Your wonders and goodness at all times — evening, morning and afternoon. The Good One: Your compassion never ends. The Compassionate One: Your kindness never ceases. We have always placed our hope in You. [On Chanukah and Purim: Al HaNissim.] For all these, may Your name be blessed and exalted, our King, continually, forever. All that lives will thank You, Selah, and praise Your name in truth — God, our salvation and our help, Selah. Blessed are You, Lord, whose name is Good, and to whom it is fitting to give thanks.
💡 Bow at “Modim anachnu lach” and again at the closing “Baruch atah Adonai” (Berachot 34a).
19
Shalom — Shalom Rav שָׁלוֹם · Peace
שָׁלוֹם רָב עַל יִשְׂרָאֵל עַמְּךָ תָּשִׂים לְעוֹלָם, כִּי אַתָּה הוּא מֶלֶךְ אָדוֹן לְכָל הַשָּׁלוֹם, וְטוֹב בְּעֵינֶיךָ לְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמְּךָ יִשְׂרָאֵל בְּכָל עֵת וּבְכָל שָׁעָה בִּשְׁלוֹמֶךָ. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְהוָה הַמְבָרֵךְ אֶת עַמּוֹ יִשְׂרָאֵל בַּשָּׁלוֹם.
Say itShalom rav al Yisrael amcha tasim l’olam, ki atah hu melech adon l’chol hashalom, v’tov b’einecha l’vareich et amcha Yisrael b’chol eit uv’chol sha’ah bishlomecha. Baruch atah Adonai, ham’vareich et amo Yisrael bashalom.
Grant abundant peace to Israel, Your people, forever, for You are the King, Master of all peace. May it be good in Your eyes to bless Your people Israel at every time and in every hour with Your peace. Blessed are You, Lord, who blesses His people Israel with peace.
💡 In the Ashkenaz siddur, “Shalom Rav” is said at Mincha and Maariv (on public fast days, Mincha uses Sim Shalom). Nusach Sefard and Sephardim say Sim Shalom at every Amidah.
Closing
Elohai N’tzor — the closing prayer (Berachot 17a)
אֱלֹהַי, נְצוֹר לְשׁוֹנִי מֵרָע, וּשְׂפָתַי מִדַּבֵּר מִרְמָה. וְלִמְקַלְלַי נַפְשִׁי תִדּוֹם, וְנַפְשִׁי כֶּעָפָר לַכֹּל תִּהְיֶה. פְּתַח לִבִּי בְּתוֹרָתֶךָ, וּבְמִצְוֹתֶיךָ תִּרְדּוֹף נַפְשִׁי. וְכָל הַחוֹשְׁבִים עָלַי רָעָה, מְהֵרָה הָפֵר עֲצָתָם וְקַלְקֵל מַחֲשַׁבְתָּם. עֲשֵׂה לְמַעַן שְׁמֶךָ, עֲשֵׂה לְמַעַן יְמִינֶךָ, עֲשֵׂה לְמַעַן קְדֻשָּׁתֶךָ, עֲשֵׂה לְמַעַן תּוֹרָתֶךָ. לְמַעַן יֵחָלְצוּן יְדִידֶיךָ, הוֹשִׁיעָה יְמִינְךָ וַעֲנֵנִי. יִהְיוּ לְרָצוֹן אִמְרֵי פִי וְהֶגְיוֹן לִבִּי לְפָנֶיךָ, יְהוָה צוּרִי וְגוֹאֲלִי.
Say itElohai, n’tzor l’shoni meira, us’fatai midabeir mirmah. V’limkal’lai nafshi tidom, v’nafshi ke’afar lakol tihyeh. P’tach libi b’Toratecha, uv’mitzvotecha tirdof nafshi. V’chol hachoshvim alai ra’ah, m’heirah hafeir atzatam v’kalkeil machashavtam. Aseih l’ma’an sh’mecha, aseih l’ma’an y’minecha, aseih l’ma’an k’dushatecha, aseih l’ma’an Toratecha. L’ma’an yeichal’tzun y’didecha, hoshi’ah y’min’cha va’aneini. Yihyu l’ratzon imrei fi v’hegyon libi l’fanecha, Adonai tzuri v’go’ali.
My God, guard my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking deceit. To those who curse me, let my soul be silent; let my soul be like dust to all. Open my heart to Your Torah, and let my soul pursue Your commandments. As for all who plan evil against me, swiftly thwart their counsel and frustrate their plans. Act for the sake of Your name; act for the sake of Your right hand; act for the sake of Your holiness; act for the sake of Your Torah. That Your beloved ones may be rescued, save with Your right hand and answer me. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing before You, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Take three steps back and bow: left, right, forward
עֹשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם בִּמְרוֹמָיו, הוּא יַעֲשֶׂה שָׁלוֹם עָלֵינוּ וְעַל כָּל יִשְׂרָאֵל, וְאִמְרוּ אָמֵן.
Say itOseh shalom bimromav, hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu v’al kol Yisrael, v’imru amen.
He who makes peace in His heights, may He make peace for us and for all Israel, and say: Amen.
💡 Bow left at “Oseh shalom bimromav,” right at “hu ya’aseh shalom aleinu,” and forward at “v’al kol Yisrael, v’imru amen.”
Then
יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ, יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ וֵאלֹהֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ, שֶׁיִּבָּנֶה בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ בִּמְהֵרָה בְיָמֵינוּ, וְתֵן חֶלְקֵנוּ בְּתוֹרָתֶךָ.
Say itY’hi ratzon mil’fanecha, Adonai Eloheinu v’Elohei avoteinu, sheyibaneh beit hamikdash bimheirah v’yameinu, v’ten chelkeinu b’Toratecha.
May it be Your will, Lord our God and God of our ancestors, that the Holy Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days, and grant us our share in Your Torah.
💡 Stand in place a moment, then take three steps forward.
Note
No repetition at night
Unlike Shacharit and Mincha, the Maariv Amidah is said only silently — the leader does not repeat it, so there is no Kedushah.
After
What comes next
There is no repetition of the Amidah at Maariv. Then Aleinu.
Special days
Changes through the year
- Winter: “Mashiv haru’ach” in blessing 2 and “tal umatar” in blessing 9 (dates noted in each).
- Rosh Chodesh and Chol HaMoed: Ya’aleh v’yavo in blessing 17.
- Chanukah and Purim: Al HaNissim in blessing 18.
- Fast days: Aneinu — at Mincha for individuals, in blessing 16.
- Ten Days of Repentance: four short inserts and two changed endings. Use a siddur those days.
- Shabbat and holidays: a different, seven-blessing Amidah. Use a siddur.
This page contains Hebrew prayer text with the Divine Name. If you print it, please treat it respectfully and dispose of it appropriately (in genizah).
This is the weekday Amidah in Nusach Ashkenaz. Nusach Sefard (Chassidic and Chabad) and Sephardi siddurim differ in a few words and use Sim Shalom at every service. Pray from the siddur of your family or shul, and for a personal question, ask a rabbi you trust.