Emet Veyatziv
Emet Veyatziv (Hebrew: אמת ויציב, lit. 'true and certain') is a blessing recited by Jews during Shacharit, the daily morning prayer. It immediately follows the Shema and precedes the Amidah.
Themes
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.[1]: 600 [2]
The word Emet ("truth") is repeated several times in entire blessing, as the first word of a sentence or paragraph. For this reason, Orchos Chaim views the blessing as a review of the Shema.[1]: 590
Structure
The first word of the blessing is אמת (emet). However, when recited communally, this word is appended to the end of the Shema. Upon finishing the Shema and saying the word emet, one waits for the
The structure that appears in most siddurim is as follows:
- Emet Veyatziv is the first paragraph. The word emet (truth) is appended onto the Shema, and veyatziv appears as the first word. In the Western Ashkenazic rite, when a Zulatis recited, a shorter form of this prayer is recited instead of the regular form.
- Al Harishonim is the second paragraph. It focuses on the truth of redemption. In both the Eastern and Western Ashkenazic rites, when a Zulatis recited, a special form of this prayer is recited instead of the regular form.
- 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 Ga'al Yisrael (Who Redeemed Israel)
Obligation to recite
The obligation to recite Emet Veyatziv appears in
Recitation by women
While it is questionable, according to halakha, whether women are required or even allowed to recite the blessings accompanying the Shema, many authorities hold that women are obligated to recite Emet Veyatziv, since doing so fulfills the mitzvah of remembering the exodus from Egypt, which is not a time-bound commandment.[5]
See also
- Emet VeEmunah, the blessing recited after the Shema at night