The set of blessings, established in remembrance of the sacrifices which were offered in the Bet Hamikdash in Jerusalem. The prayer is called ’Amidah (from ’omèd = to stand) because it is recited while standing and facing Jerusalem. It originally consisted of eighteen blessings, but a nineteenth was added after the Babylonian exile. The first three and last three are blessings praising the Lord, the others are requests or expressions of gratitude. On Saturdays and holidays, the thirteen central blessings are replaced with a single blessing celebrating the festivity.