The Sabbath Amidah Prayer
Unlike the weekday Amidah ('Standing Prayer'), containing 19 blessings, the central prayer of the Sabbath only has seven. Why seven? The Talmud (Berachot 29a) explains

Why did the sages associate this psalm, which contains not a single mention of Shabbat, to the Sabbath prayers?

that these seven blessings correspond to the seven times that the phrase "God's voice" appears in Psalm 29:


  • "God's voice is upon the waters."
  • "God's voice is in strength."
  • "God's voice is in beauty."
  • "God's voice breaks the cedars."
  • "God's voice hews with flames of fire."
  • "God's voice makes the desert tremble."
  • "God's voice frightens the hinds and strips the forest bare."
Why did the sages associate this psalm, which contains not a single mention of Shabbat, to the Sabbath prayers? Also, why did they describe this psalm as the one that David composed "upon the waters"? Why the emphasis on water?


Waters of Destruction
The world appears most advanced and perfected when viewed in its developed, built-up state. But upon deeper reflection, it is possible to recognize the need for the world's destructive forces. If we can perceive the positive benefits of destructive phenomena - like the necessary role played by forest fires in the growth and regeneration of a forest - then we may grasp how these forces reflect the underlying purpose and Divine wisdom governing the universe.


Water is a particularly apt metaphor for natural destructive forces. Water, the seas and the oceans, are the antithesis of progress and civilization. David composed Psalm 29 while meditating "upon the waters." He reflected on the great destructive forces in the world - leaving mighty cedars broken, deserts shaking and forests stripped bare - and he was able to hear God's voice. This realization was most clearly revealed in the spectacular devastation of cultivated land by floodwaters in the days of Noah. At that time of general destruction, "God sat enthroned at the Flood" (Psalms 29:10) - the world was cleansed of that which was irretrievably evil.


Sabbath Rest
What does this understanding have to do with Shabbat?

Idleness and inactivity are assumed to be inconsequential, if not negative, aspects of life.



We mistakenly think that our greatest achievements are to be found in our actions and practical accomplishments. Idleness and inactivity are assumed to be inconsequential, if not negative, aspects of life.


In truth, it is rest that perfects all actions. Rest is the contemplative preparation that gives meaning and direction to our endeavors. This is the value of the menuchah (rest) on Shabbat. It deepens our intellectual awareness and enhances our spiritual life. The Sabbath rest crowns our weekday activities, as it directs them towards their true purpose.


Seven Blessings
Now we can understand why the Sabbath prayers contain seven blessings. They incorporate six - corresponding to the six days of creation and action - and add the seventh dimension of direction and purpose. The number seven indicates that the Sabbath menuchah is not just a negative cessation from work, but rather the development of our moral faculties and spiritual direction, promoting our closeness to God and His ways.


[Adapted from Olat Re'iyah vol. II pp. 19-20; Ein Ayah vol. I p. 122]