shemoneh esreh: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Religious
Quick answer
What does “shemoneh esreh” mean?
The central prayer of Jewish liturgy, consisting of eighteen (or nineteen) blessings, recited silently while standing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The central prayer of Jewish liturgy, consisting of eighteen (or nineteen) blessings, recited silently while standing.
Refers to the core prayer of the Jewish daily prayer service (Siddur). Literally meaning 'eighteen' (referring to its original number of blessings), though a nineteenth blessing was later added. It is also called the Amidah ('standing'), as it is recited while standing in respectful attention before God.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both communities use the Hebrew term.
Connotations
Carries the same religious and cultural connotations in both Jewish communities.
Frequency
Used with identical, low frequency within English-speaking Jewish communities in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “shemoneh esreh” in a Sentence
[Congregation/Person] + recite(s) + the Shemoneh EsrehThe Shemoneh Esreh + consists of + [Number] blessingsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shemoneh esreh” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The congregation will **daven** the Shemoneh Esreh now.
- He **recited** the Shemoneh Esreh with great concentration.
American English
- Please **stand** for the Shemoneh Esreh.
- She **prayed** the Shemoneh Esreh silently.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The **Shemoneh Esreh** blessings are profound.
- His **Shemoneh Esreh** recitation was inaudible.
American English
- We studied the **Shemoneh Esreh** text.
- The **Shemoneh Esreh** portion of the service is central.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in theological, religious studies, or historical contexts discussing Jewish liturgy.
Everyday
Used almost exclusively within observant Jewish communities during discussion of prayer services.
Technical
The standard term in Jewish liturgical studies and halakhic (Jewish legal) discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shemoneh esreh”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shemoneh esreh”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shemoneh esreh”
- Pronouncing it as separate English words (e.g., 'she-moan-ee es-ray').
- Using it as a plural noun (e.g., 'the Shemoneh Esrehs are...'). It is singular.
- Misspelling as 'Shemoneh Esrei' or 'Shmoneh Esreh'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It literally means 'eighteen' in Hebrew, referring to the original number of blessings in the prayer.
It is recited three times daily during Jewish morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), and evening (Ma'ariv) prayer services.
Yes, 'Amidah' (meaning 'standing') is another, more common name for the exact same prayer. 'Shemoneh Esreh' is an older term referencing its structure.
A nineteenth blessing, a prayer against heretics and informers, was added around the 2nd century CE, but the traditional name 'Shemoneh Esreh' (Eighteen) was retained.
The central prayer of Jewish liturgy, consisting of eighteen (or nineteen) blessings, recited silently while standing.
Shemoneh esreh is usually technical/religious in register.
Shemoneh esreh: 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
- “[Not applicable for this specialized term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SHOW me (SHEMO) NEH (near) ESREH (essence)' – the prayer you show devotion to, recited near the essence of the service.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRAYER IS A STRUCTURED JOURNEY (the Shemoneh Esreh is a fixed path of blessings leading the worshipper through praise, petition, and thanks).
Practice
Quiz
What is the Shemoneh Esreh primarily known as?