Prayer and Blessings
Why Is There No Repetition of the Amidah in Ma'ariv?
Why Is There No Repetition of the Amidah in Ma'ariv?
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi:
I wanted to ask why in the Shacharit or Mincha prayer we do repeat the Amidah, whereas in Ma'ariv there is no need to do so?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello and blessings!
The Amidah was instituted for those who are not proficient in prayer. And by hearing the prayer from the cantor, they fulfill their obligation. And although today we are all proficient, nevertheless the enactment did not move from its place.
However, the Ma'ariv prayer, which in its essence was instituted as optional, meaning that there was no obligation to pray Ma'ariv, the Sages did not institute repeating the prayer, and one who is not proficient will lose out. And although today they have accepted the Ma'ariv prayer as an obligation, the enactment did not move from its place.
With blessings, Binyamin Shmueli
