We seek not revenge, but fulfilment of His Will
How many brachos are in the Shemoneh Esreh? According to our tefillah’s namesake, the answer is clearly 18. However, a quick tally reveals that there are in fact 19 brachos. What is this extra brachah and why was it not included in the original calculation of 18?
Chazal instituted a precise number of brachos for the Shemoneh Esreh. The Gemara (Berachos 28b) teaches that the 18 brachos of the tefillah correspond to the 18 spinal vertebrae that provide us with physical stature and stability. Rav Chaim Friedlander explains that just as our 18 vertebrae are our physical supports, the 18 brachos of the Shemoneh Esreh provide our spiritual scaffolding; they address every one of our myriad needs, funneling them upward to Hashem. The correlation between the two takes on greater meaning when we bow during the Shemoneh Esreh and assume a posture that flexes every single one of the 18 vertebrae, demonstrating complete physical subjugation to and dependence on Him.
Clearly, if the number of brachos in our tefillah was deliberately selected, there must have been an unusually compelling reason for the addition of a 19th brachah. The 19th brachah is called “Bircas Haminim,” the brachah of the apostates, and is also referred to as “V’lamalshinim,” the informers. The Gemara (ibid.) teaches: “The brachah of the minin was established in Yavneh… to what is this brachah analogous? To the smallest of vertebrae of the spinal column.”
Presumably, even if there was a convincing reason to add this brachah, Chazal only allowed an addition that had a common precedent, a supernal connection, with the other 18 that are compared to the vertebrae.
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