In this session we will show textual support for basing the structure of the three blessings of praise with which the Shemoneh Esreh opens on the three “descriptions” of Hashem which we discussed in the previous session. We will continue by suggesting explanations of some of the key phrases in these three blessings, as we show how different is the praise offered in each blessing from the praise in the other two blessings.
Following this, and time allowing, we will begin examining the first group of the intermediate blessings of request (בקשות), namely, those related to individual spiritual aspirations: Da’at, Teshuva, and Selicha.