Weekly Ma'ariv

Joshua Perez

1/1/2025

In Orthodox Judaism, there are 3 daily prayers one is called to make; three daily appointments with Hashem if you will. Since a Jewish day officially begins after tzeit hakochavim (nightfall), the first prayer one would recite in the day is Ma'ariv (the evening prayer). According to tradition, this prayer was instituted by the patriarch Jacob [1], and we see several people in the scriptures holding to it. 

"Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and moan, and He will hear my voice" (Psalm 55:17 NASB).

 "Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (and in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and offering praise before his God, just as he had been doing previously" (Daniel 6:10 NASB)

The time frame one can make this prayer is after tzeit hakochavim (nightfall), and before alot hashachar (dawn). For the exact hallachic times for your location, please click here.

It is ideal to daven Ma'ariv in a synagogue, with a chazan (prayer leader) and minyan (group of 10 Jewish adults). However, the unfortunately reality of being Messianics is that many Orthodox synagogues will not accept us; even if we inform them that we do not view Yeshua as God. Due to this, this article will act a guide for davening Ma'ariv alone in your home. There are some additional prayers only certain communities add to the Ma'ariv service, however this article will not discuss those. Only the prayers that are included in the halacha, and are required to be done for someone praying Ma'ariv alone will be listed (any prayer that states it requires a chazzan or minyan is also omitted). This article will not include the text of the prayers themselves; it will act as a guide for navigating your siddur. To purchase a siddur with every prayer for every occasion, we recommend the one produced by ArtScroll. 

Another thing to know that is a general rule for every prayer in Judaism, is that the siddur itself will use "Hashem" in place of the divine name. However, when actually engaging in prayer one should verbally substitute "Hashem" for Adonai. Adonai is the substitute for the divine name that can only be used during prayer. 

Blessings of the Shema

The first thing one should recite for Ma'ariv is the blessings that precede the Shema. There are four total blessings one says during the evening Shema, two before it, and two after. The two that are recited before the Shema are Ma’ariv Aravim (Bringer of Evenings), and Ahavat Olam (Eternal Love). The first contains praises to God for creating the natural order, particularly the cycles of day and night. And the second expresses gratitude for God's love and the giving of the Torah. 

The Shema

The Shema is one of the central prayers in Judaism, and it is recited twice per day in accordance with Deuteronomy 6:4-7:

"Hear, O Israel! Adonai is our God, Adonai is the one and only!....These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. And you shall repeat them diligently to your sons and speak of them when you sit in your house, when you walk on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up" (Deuteronomy 6:4-7)

After reciting the Shema, Deuteronomy 6:5-21 is recited, which revolves around accepting the commandments upon yourself, and the blessings and curses that come with them. Then Numbers 15:37-41 is recited, covering the commandment of tzitzits.

Blessings of the Shema Pt.2

At this point the third and fourth blessings of the Shema are recited. The third deals with the Exodus and the future redemption, and the fourth deals with God's protection of us. 

The Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei)

The Amidah is the central prayer for all three of the daily prayers. "Shemoneh Esrei" literally means "eighteen", and it gets this name because the prayer consists of 18 blessings (technically 19), that cover the following:

Praises:

1. God of our fathers

2. God's might

3. Gods holiness

Requests:

4. Requesting Wisdom

5. Repentance

6. Forgiveness

7. Redemption

8. Healings

9. Good harvest

10. Gathering of Israel

11. Restoring the Judges

12. Against Enemies

13. Protection of the Righteous

14. Rebuilding Jerusalem

15. Arrival of Messiah

16. Accept our Prayers

Gratitude:

17. Restoring the Temple Service

18. Thanksgiving

19. Peace

Blessing number 12 (Against Enemies) was added to the Amidah around 70 AD and the destruction of the Jewish temple. It was added to serve as a blessing for Israel, and a curse to the enemies of them. It is addressed to heretics and wanton sinners, praying that Hashem would speedily uproot them. Despite it's later addition to the Amidah, it did officially make itself into the halacha [2].

When praying the Amidah, one should keep the following in mind:

1. One should take three steps back, than forward when beginning the prayer; as if you were approaching God directly.

2. Keep your legs together in almost a military stance.

3. Concentrate on the meaning of each word, and clear all distractions from the mind. Remember that you are coming before the Shekhinah (divine presence).

4. Do not interrupt the Amidah with any talking not part of the prayer.

5. Recite the Amidah quietly to yourself so that only you can hear it, no one else. 

6. There are certain parts of the Amidah that involve movement or actions: such as striking the chest with your first, bowing, bowing left and right, taking steps forward or back, etc. Take the Amidah slowly, and pay attention to when your Siddur tells you to do said actions.

7. Certain parts of the Amidah are omitted when praying alone. If your Siddur says, "the following is recited by the Chazzan or in the presence of a minyan", omit that part and continue with the prayer. Your prayer book tells you all of this.

Aleinu

The final prayer in the Ma'ariv service is the Aleinu, which literally means "it is our duty". The Aleinu is a short prayer, recited standing, that offers praises to our God for all of his wonderous ways. For electing Israel, creating the universe, destroying the wicked nations of the world, etc. This prayer ultimately focuses on Hashem's uniqueness, that he is God alone; the First and the Last. 

[1] Berakhot 26b

[2] Berekhot 28b-29a