At that time, the Amida was a form of prayer rather than a formula. The exact text was not set; however, the arrangement and themes of each of the eighteen parts of the prayer were clearly established. When a well-known rabbi or a particularly venerated holy man led the prayer, it was expected, however, that he would extemporize on the various themes. The prayer began with three benedictions of praise and thanksgiving. In the center of the prayer were six supplications or petitions of a more personal nature, followed by six intercessions for the well-being of the nation of Israel. The final
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