In the last three blessings of the Amidah, we ask G-d to accept our prayers, we thank Him
for past, present, and future kindnesses, and pray for peace.
- 5. Restoration of G-d's Presence to Zion
Before the destruction of the Temple, we asked G-d to accept animal sacrificial
offerings. This blessing was altered after the destruction of the Temple. In this blessing
we ask G-d to accept prayer as our offering in lieu of animal sacrifice. It is through this
prayer that we are drawn closer to G-d. In this blessing now we ask G-d to respond to
what we bring to Him, not what we ask of Him. Throughout the blessing, we ask G-d to
receive -- to receive our prayer, to receive our love, to be received favorably by Him.
And, finally, we ask G-d for the restoration of the Temple and the restoration of the
Divine Presence to Zion, embodied in the final redemption of our people.
- 6. Thanksgiving
In each of the previous blessings we have petitioned G-d, or in some way
expressed our own needs. In this blessing, our needs are not mentioned. Instead, we
thank G-d. We thank Him for our lives, for His miracles which we witness every day, for
His compassion. This blessing affirms the importance of gratitude in our daily lives to
each other and to G-d. Ingratitude is vanity at its worst. When directed against others, it
is a sin, and when directed against G-d, it borders on heresy. This blessing reminds us of
the necessity of thanksgiving.
- 7. Peace
In ancient times and, unfortunately also in present times, many nations measured
their national glory and prestige in terms of war and conquest. In this blessing we are
reminded that, while we are sometimes compelled to wage war, peace is the ideal to
strive for on all levels -- peace between individuals and peace between nations.
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