 There is a Torah level commandment and there is a Rabbinical level commandment, Praying is a Torah level. Generally speaking, one should be a bit more careful with a Torah level commandments. Apparently one can fulfill his duty of prayer by talking to G-d in private with no time frame attached. However, if one wants to get the maximum results, he should follow the guidelines in which the Sages have instructed.
The nucleus of the prayer is the Amida, otherwise known as the Shemoneh Esrei. Amida means to stand; it’s also said in silent, individually. The RAMBAM – Maimonides advised, one who wants to form a strong bond with G-d should recite the first bracha of the Amida with concentration. The Shemoneh Esrei, which refers to the original eighteen brachot, now nineteen, is recited three times a day (Shabbat four) .There are four levels of prayer, concentration, found in the prayers and the Amida is at the climax. In order to have good prayer, one has to have good concentration and in order to have good concentration one cannot speak during certain prayers. For example, one is allowed to say Amen before BARUCH SHE’AMAR, the first of four levels. Between BARUCH SHE’AMAR and BARUCHU, which is the second level, it is still permissible. However, in the next level, which is between BARUCHU and the AMIDA, one is only allowed to say Amen between paragraphs. The last and most intense in concentration, between GA’AL YISRAEL and the AMIDA, there should be no recitation of the Amen. While one is in the middle of the AMIDA and the Chazzan and the minyan (congregation) recites the KEDUSHA, you are prohibited to utter Amen, or for that matter, anything. One should just remain quiet and concentrate on the KEDUSHA and after they are finished, resume your AMIDA. |
