Emet Vayatziv
Encyclopedia
Emet Vayatziv is the blessing that is recited after the Shema during Shacharit
. It is a recognition of God's kingship and God as the One and only, and thankfulness to God for the exodus from Egypt, the slaying of the firstborn, the splitting of the sea, and the redemption of Israel from exile.
The word אמת (emet) is the beginning of the first paragraph. But it is appended to the end of the Shema. This is because of an ancient law that prohibits the interruption between the Shema and this blessing, and when added to the final two words of Shema, it states the God
is true. It is mentioned that the word Emet should be appended to the Shema in Mishnah Tamid 5:1. The concept of truth occurs throughout this entire blessing. Orchos Chaim for this reason views the blessing as a review of the Shema.
, and therefore his obligation to recite Shema.
of remembering the exodus from Egypt, which is not a time-bound commandment.
Shacharit
Shacharit is the the daily morning Tefillah of the Jewish people, one of the three times there is prayer each day.Shacharit is said to have been established by the patriarch Abraham when he prayed in the morning...
. It is a recognition of God's kingship and God as the One and only, and thankfulness to God for the exodus from Egypt, the slaying of the firstborn, the splitting of the sea, and the redemption of Israel from exile.
The word אמת (emet) is the beginning of the first paragraph. But it is appended to the end of the Shema. This is because of an ancient law that prohibits the interruption between the Shema and this blessing, and when added to the final two words of Shema, it states the God
Names of God in Judaism
In Judaism, the name of God is more than a distinguishing title; it represents the Jewish conception of the divine nature, and of the relationship of God to the Jewish people and to the world. To demonstrate the sacredness of the names of God, and as a means of showing respect and reverence for...
is true. It is mentioned that the word Emet should be appended to the Shema in Mishnah Tamid 5:1. The concept of truth occurs throughout this entire blessing. Orchos Chaim for this reason views the blessing as a review of the Shema.
Structure
The structure that appears in most siddurim is as follows:- Emet Vayatziv is the first paragraph. The word emet (truth) is appended onto the Shema, and vayatziv appears as the first word.
- Al Harishonim is the second paragraph. It focuses on the truth of redemption.
- Ezrat Avoteinu is the third paragraph, and is an elaboration on the Exodus from Egypt
- The blessing ends with the paragraph Mi Komokha, ending with the blessing G'al Yisrael (Who Redeems Israel)
Obligation to recite
The obligation to recite Emet Vayatziv appears in Brachos 12a. Here, it is stated that whoever does not recite this paragraph has not fulfilled one's obligation "To proclaim your kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness at night," Verse 3 from Psalm 92Psalm 92
Psalm 92 , known as Mizmor Shir L'yom HaShabbat, is a psalm ostensibly dedicated to the Shabbat day. Though it is permissible to recite it any day, it is generally reserved for Shabbat and is also recited during the morning services on festivals.-Judaism:*Is recited a total of three times during...
, and therefore his obligation to recite Shema.
Do women recite Emet Vayatziv?
While it is questionable whether women are required or even allowed to recite the blessings accompanying the Shema, may authorities hold that women are obligated to recite Emet Vayatziv, since doing so fulfills the mitzvahMitzvah
The primary meaning of the Hebrew word refers to precepts and commandments as commanded by God...
of remembering the exodus from Egypt, which is not a time-bound commandment.