Overview of the Section
At the conclusion of Sefer Ahavah, the Rambam provides a practical siddur framework to accompany Hilchot Tefilah.
Its purpose:
- To give a clear, structured order of prayer without requiring study of the entire Talmud.
- To present the daily and yearly tefillah sequence as practiced in his time.
- To serve as a halachic guide to the siddur, not just theory.
Daily Morning Opening (Pre–Pesukei DeZimra)
After reciting:
- the passage of Korbanot (Tzav),
- and the Priestly Blessing,
it is customary to recite:
- the Mishnah “Eilu Devarim” (from Peah),
- teachings emphasizing:
- mitzvot without measure,
- deeds that yield reward in this world and the next,
- the importance of daily Torah study.
Additional passages include:
- sayings of the Sages (e.g., modesty, halachic study),
- verses such as “Mizmor LeDavid – Hashem Mi Yagur…”,
- ethical reflections emphasizing humility, truth, and dependence on God.
Declaration of Faith and Reflection
The liturgy includes:
- expressions of human humility (“What are we…”),
- affirmation of Jewish identity:
- descendants of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov,
- obligation to declare daily:
- Shema in the morning and evening.
Foundational Praise of God
Core themes:
- God’s eternity (“before the world… after the world…”),
- His unity and sovereignty,
- prayer for redemption and divine recognition by all nations.
Beginning of Pesukei DeZimra
The opening blessing is:
- Baruch She’amar
This blessing:
- praises God as Creator and Sustainer,
- emphasizes divine justice, compassion, and truth,
- formally opens the section of praise through Psalms.
Pesukei DeZimra (Verses of Praise)
Includes:
- selections from Tehillim (e.g., Ashrei),
- continuing through multiple psalms until completion.
Concluding verses:
- affirm God’s eternal kingship,
- include David’s blessing (Divrei HaYamim).
Conclusion of Pesukei DeZimra
The closing blessing:
- Yishtabach
This:
- seals the section of praise,
- emphasizes God’s greatness and eternal kingship.
Additions on Shabbat and Special Days
On Shabbat (and Yom Kippur):
- add Nishmat Kol Chai before Yishtabach.
Additional customs (vary by community):
- reciting the Song of the Day (Mizmor Shir Leyom HaShabbat),
- Great Hallel,
- or Shir HaMa’alot.
➡️ Rambam emphasizes:
Each community should follow its established custom.
Blessings Before Shema (Morning)
- Yotzer Or – praises creation of light and order of heavens.
- Ahavat Olam / Ahavah Rabbah – expresses God’s love for Israel and Torah.
Blessings After Shema (Morning)
- Emet Veyatziv – declaration of truth and redemption, ending with
“Ga’al Yisrael.”
Evening Shema Blessings
Before Shema:
- Ma’ariv Aravim – God’s ordering of evening and time cycles.
- Ahavat Olam – God’s love for Israel.
After Shema:
- Emet VeEmunah – affirmation of faith and redemption.
- Hashkiveinu – prayer for protection at night.
Additional Evening Liturgical Sections
Some communities add:
- verses emphasizing God’s unity and kingship,
- prayers for redemption and protection,
- declarations such as:
- “Hashem Hu HaElokim”
- “Hashem Melech…”
These are custom‑dependent additions.
Structure of the Siddur According to Rambam
The Rambam’s order establishes a clear flow:
- Preparation and Torah passages
- Ethical and faith declarations
- Pesukei DeZimra (praise)
- Shema and its blessings
- Transition to the Amidah (implied continuation)
Core Principle of the Section
This section transforms halachot into practice, presenting prayer as a structured progression:
From reflection → to praise → to proclamation of faith → to direct communion with God.
It also highlights:
- the balance between fixed liturgy and community custom,
- and Rambam’s goal of making Torah observance clear, accessible, and systematically ordered.
