How many blessings does the weekday Amidah contain?
Originally 18 blessings, Birkat HaMinim was added by the Anshei Knesset HaGedolah in Yavneh, making 19 on weekdays.
Question 2
What replaces the 13 middle request-blessings on Shabbat?
On Shabbat and Yom Tov, the 13 request-blessings are replaced with one blessing (k'dushat hayom) about the holiness of the day.
Question 3
At how many points do you bow during the Amidah?
Four specific points: at the beginning of Avot (first blessing), at its end, at the beginning of Modim (thanksgiving blessing), and at its end.
Question 4
How should the Amidah be recited?
The model is Channah at the Mishkan: lips moving, voice barely audible. Loud enough to hear yourself, not loud enough for neighbors to overhear.
Question 5
What are the three types of blessings in the Amidah's structure?
Praise (first 3) → Requests (middle 13 on weekdays) → Thanks (last 3). This mirrors the structure of approaching a king: acknowledge his greatness, make requests, thank him.