Today’s daf
TB Shabbat 24 concludes the discussion of the laws of Hanukkah. The Rabbi’s
debate whether we need to add prayers like Al Hanisim for Hanukkah and Ya’aleh
Veyavo for Rosh Hodesh in Grace after meals and in all the various Amidot
(plural for Amidah). Even though the Gemara is inconclusive, universal
tradition is to add Al Hanisim and Ya’aleh Veyavo to all our prayers.
Everybody who is a
regular davener knows that we repeat the Amidah in our Shacharit (morning) and
Mincha (afternoon) services, but not during Ma’ariv (evening) services.
Nevertheless, on Friday night we do say something that the rabbis instituted
that they considered to be like a repetition of the Amidah. We sing four short
paragraphs that includes Magan Avot. During the week people found it difficult
to attend services because many times the synagogue was on the outskirts of
town and far away from their homes. Consequently, they davened on their own and
in their own houses. But on Friday they would go to their local synagogue to
welcome the Shabbat. The Gemara explains the reason why the added these
prayers.
“Sages who instituted repetition of the prayer due
to concern for potential danger.” (Sefaria.org translation) Rashi explains what the danger was.
The Sages sought to slightly delay those leaving the synagogue to enable people
who came late to leave together with the rest of the worshippers. This was
necessary because synagogues were often located beyond the city limits, and it
was dangerous to walk alone at night.
How different are the times today. Back then the
parishioners might be in danger. Today I know if I elongate the service by
adding extra prayers and readings I might be the one in danger from my
congregants. J
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