AFTERNOON SERVICE The afternoon service corresponds to the daily afternoon sacrifice (Num. 28:4). Minha, the “meal-offering,” was not unique to the afternoon. The prayer may have acquired this name because of the verse in Psalms (141:2): “May my prayer be like incense before You, the lifting up of my hands like the afternoon offering (minhat arev).” The sages attached special significance to this prayer, noting that Elijah’s prayer was answered at this time (1 Kings 18:36). Its form is simple. It begins with Ashrei as a prelude to prayer, the third of three daily recitals. The Amida is the same as in the morning with two changes. In the Leader’s Repetition, the passage referring to the priestly blessing is not said, since in the Temple the priests did not bless the congregation in the afternoon. Likewise, a shorter form of the final blessing (associated with the priestly blessing in the Temple) is said. Tahanun is also said in Minha, on days when it is said in the morning, except on the afternoon before Shabbat and Yom Tov and certain other occasions (see page 233). The service ends with Aleinu.

אֲדֹנָי, שְׂפָתַי תִּפְתָּח O LORD, open my lips: Standing in the presence of God, we feel our inadequacy. The greatest of the prophets felt tongue-tied. Moses said, “I am not a man of words…I am heavy of speech and tongue.” Isaiah said, “I am a man of unclean lips.” Jeremiah said, “I cannot speak for I am a child.” So our first prayer is for divine help in the act of prayer itself.