The Amidah is the central standing prayer recited in Jewish services, also called the Shemoneh Esrei.
“Amidah” means “standing,” describing the posture traditionally used during the prayer. “Shemoneh Esrei” means “eighteen,” reflecting the original number of blessings in its weekday form. A nineteenth blessing was later added against sectarians, while the conventional name remained.
The weekday Amidah contains blessings of praise, requests, and thanksgiving. On Shabbat and festivals, the middle section changes from weekday petitions to a blessing focused on the holiness of the day. The Musaf service also has its own Amidah on days when that service is recited.
The prayer is recited silently by the congregation, followed by a repetition led by the prayer leader in many traditional services. Jewish denominations differ in wording, posture, and musical practice, but the Amidah remains a central feature of Jewish liturgy.