shemona esrei: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowReligious/Formal
Quick answer
What does “shemona esrei” mean?
The central prayer of Jewish liturgy, meaning 'Eighteen Benedictions,' also known as the Amidah.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central prayer of Jewish liturgy, meaning 'Eighteen Benedictions,' also known as the Amidah.
A term referring to the main silent standing prayer in daily Jewish worship services, originally consisting of 18 blessings (now 19), recited three times daily.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in religious contexts in both varieties. Spelling of the transliteration may vary slightly (e.g., 'Shemoneh Esrei' vs. 'Shemoneh Esreh'), but this is not regionally systematic.
Connotations
Purely religious, liturgical, and scholarly.
Frequency
Used exclusively within Jewish religious communities and academic studies of Judaism. Uncommon in general English.
Grammar
How to Use “shemona esrei” in a Sentence
[Congregation/Person] recites the Shemoneh Esrei.The Shemoneh Esrei is recited [in silence/three times a day].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shemona esrei” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The congregation will daven the Shemoneh Esrei.
- He is shemoneh-esrei-ing quietly in the corner.
American English
- The congregation will recite the Shemoneh Esrei.
- He is praying the Shemoneh Esrei quietly in the corner.
adverb
British English
- He prayed Shemoneh-Esrei-style, with deep concentration.
- The service proceeded Shemoneh-Esrei-wards.
American English
- He prayed in the manner of the Shemoneh Esrei, with deep concentration.
- The service moved toward the Shemoneh Esrei.
adjective
British English
- The Shemoneh Esrei prayer is central.
- He studied the Shemoneh Esrei blessings.
American English
- The Shemoneh Esrei service is central.
- He studied the Shemoneh Esrei text.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, and historical texts discussing Jewish liturgy.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation outside of religiously observant Jewish communities.
Technical
Used as a precise liturgical term within Jewish law (Halakha) and prayer books (siddurim).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shemona esrei”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shemona esrei”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shemona esrei”
- Misspelling as 'Shemona Esrei' (missing 'h').
- Pronouncing 'Esrei' with a hard 's' instead of a soft /s/.
- Using it as a general term for any Jewish prayer.
- Assuming it is always exactly eighteen blessings (a nineteenth was added).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Originally 18, a 19th blessing was added in the 1st-2nd century CE, but the traditional name 'Shemoneh Esrei' (Eighteen) remained.
In traditional Jewish practice, it is recited three times daily: during the morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Ma'ariv or Arvit) services.
It is primarily recited silently while standing. In some services, the prayer leader (chazzan) then repeats it aloud for the congregation.
The prayer is specifically formulated for Jewish worshippers. While not prohibited, its content assumes a covenantal relationship with God as part of the Jewish people, so it is not a standard prayer for non-Jews.
The central prayer of Jewish liturgy, meaning 'Eighteen Benedictions,' also known as the Amidah.
Shemona esrei is usually religious/formal in register.
Shemona esrei: in British English it is pronounced /ʃəˌməʊnə ˈɛsreɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃəˌmoʊnə ˈɛsreɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common English idioms use this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Shemoneh Esrei sounds like 'Show money, Esray' – but remember, it's about showing devotion, not money; it's the EIGHTEEN (Shemoneh) blessings you say while standing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAYER IS A STRUCTURED JOURNEY (The Shemoneh Esrei is a fixed path of blessings one traverses in communion with God).
Practice
Quiz
What is the Shemoneh Esrei also commonly called?