Chapter 3 · Tefillat Amidah

Closing berakhot - Retzeh, Modim, Birkat Kohanim, Shalom

Lesson 22 of 32 20 min

The closing three are the "exit before the King": Retzeh (acceptance), Modim (thanks), Sim Shalom (blessing). Note the role of "Modim de-Rabbanan" and Birkat Kohanim within chazarat ha-shatz.

Lesson goals

01Identify the 3 and their links
02Understand "Modim de-Rabbanan"
03Know the call before "Modim"

The Final Gates of Prayer

In previous lessons, we built the central structure of the Amidah prayer. Now, we complete the framework, focusing on the final three blessings. These are the concluding blessings, expressing the end of the Amidah and our 'exit from before the King'.

1We will examine the 17th blessing: 'Retzeh' – a plea for the Temple service and acceptance of prayer.
2We will proceed to the 18th blessing: 'Modim' – an expression of gratitude and acknowledgment for miracles.
3And conclude with the 19th blessing: 'Sim Shalom' – a request for peace, a blessing for a good life.

תלמוד בבלי, מסכת ברכות לד ע"א

אמר רב יהודה: לעולם אל ישאל אדם צרכיו לא בטובת שבת ולא בטובת יום טוב. אלא מאי? אומר 'רצה והחליצנו' ומסיים ב'מודים'.

Rav Yehuda said: A person should never ask for his needs on Shabbat or on a holiday. Rather, what? He says 'Retzeh VeHachalitzenu' and concludes with 'Modim'.

Insight

The Gemara establishes 'Retzeh' and 'Modim' as a central axis at the end of the prayer, even when there are changes to the prayer, such as on Shabbat and holidays. This is a fixed framework.

Modim de-Rabbanan – The Community Responds

One of the unique moments in the Chazarat HaShatz (reader's repetition) is when the Chazan reaches the blessing of 'Modim'. The congregation does not respond 'Amen' as usual, but rather recites its own prayer text, known as 'Modim de-Rabbanan'. This is an active response, an independent expression of gratitude.

מודים דרבנןModim de-Rabbanan

A short prayer recited by the congregation simultaneously with the Chazan during the 'Modim' blessing in the Chazarat HaShatz.

תלמוד בבלי, מסכת סוטה מ ע"א

בשעה שהשליח ציבור אומר 'מודים', הציבור אומר 'מודים אנחנו לך ה' אלקינו ואלקי אבותינו על כל הנסים ועל כל הנפלאות ועל כל הטובות אשר עשית עמנו ועם אבותינו מעולם ועד עולם'.

When the prayer leader says 'Modim', the congregation says 'Modim Anachnu Lach Hashem Elokeinu v'Elokei Avoteinu al kol haNisim v'al kol haNifla'ot v'al kol haTovot asher asita imanu v'im Avoteinu me'Olam v'ad Olam' (We give thanks to You, Hashem our God and God of our fathers, for all the miracles and for all the wonders and for all the goodness that You have done with us and with our fathers, from everlasting to everlasting).

Insight

This is a moment of partnership – not just listening, but active participation in gratitude. The congregation not only hears the Chazan's blessing but expresses its own gratitude, both personally and communally.

Birkat Kohanim – A Special Blessing

In the Chazarat HaShatz of Shacharit and Musaf prayers (and in some communities, also Mincha), after the blessing of 'Retzeh' and before 'Modim', there is a special moment: Birkat Kohanim. Kohanim ascend to the platform and bless the congregation with the biblical text. This is a direct blessing from God through the Kohanim.

ספרי במדבר, פרשת נשא

וכך דרשה: 'כה תברכו את בני ישראל אמור להם'. מכאן שאין כהנים רשאין לברך את ישראל אלא בלשון הקודש.

And thus it was expounded: 'So shall you bless the children of Israel, say to them.' From here, [we learn] that Kohanim are not permitted to bless Israel except in the Holy Tongue.

Insight

The instruction for Kohanim to bless is a Torah commandment, and it represents a peak of holiness and spiritual connection within the prayer. The blessing is recited standing and face-to-face.

Only after Birkat Kohanim (or in its place, if there are no Kohanim, or in prayers where there is no Birkat Kohanim) does the Chazan proceed to the 'Modim' blessing. This is a fixed order that structures the conclusion of the prayer.

Shalom – The Final Signature

The final blessing, the 19th, is 'Sim Shalom' (or 'Shalom Rav' in some communities). This is a comprehensive request for peace – spiritual and physical peace, peace for the Jewish people and for the entire world. It seals the series of requests and the entire prayer.

נוסח תפילת העמידה

ברכה י"ט: שים שלום טובה וברכה חיים חן וחסד ורחמים עלינו ועל כל ישראל עמך. ברכנו אבינו כולנו כאחד באור פניך כי באור פניך נתת לנו ה' אלקינו תורת חיים ואהבת חסד וצדקה וברכה ורחמים וחיים ושלום. טוב בעיניך לברכנו ולברך את עמך ישראל בכל עת ובכל שעה בשלום. ברוך אתה ה' המברך את עמו ישראל בשלום.

The 19th blessing: Grant peace, goodness and blessing, life, grace, kindness and mercy upon us and upon all Your people Israel. Bless us, our Father, all of us as one, with the light of Your countenance, for with the light of Your countenance You have given us, Hashem our God, a Torah of life and a love of kindness, righteousness, blessing, mercy, life, and peace. May it be good in Your eyes to bless us and to bless Your people Israel at all times and at every hour with peace. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who blesses His people Israel with peace.

Insight

Peace is not merely the absence of war, but wholeness and harmony. This is a request for all good in the world, summarizing all our spiritual and physical needs under one umbrella.

Upon concluding 'Sim Shalom', we end the Amidah prayer, standing before God and requesting His blessing for peace and a good life. The final blessings are a dignified 'exit' filled with gratitude and supplication, where we return to our world with God's blessing.

Vocabulary from the dictionary

Each word links to the full dictionary entry - source, translation, and grammar.

Practice

In the next chazarat ha-shatz - note exactly when the kahal says "Modim de-Rabbanan". Log it.

Lesson wrap-up

Leaving the King’s presence is part of entering it.

Check your understanding

Test yourself before marking the lesson complete.

Question 1 of 4

What is the primary role of the 'Modim' blessing in the Amidah prayer?

Previous lessonAdding a personal request in the Amidah (34a)

Next lessonChazarat ha-shatz and Tachanun (34b)