Pesach night: A night of protection from harm

Hi,

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Introduction: As part of normal Friday night services, we recite a post-Amidah prayer called מעין שבע or מגן אבות. However, if the Seder night is Friday night then we do not recite this prayer.

"One reason we do not recite מעין שבע if Pesach is Shabbat, is because that prayer was enacted for protection from harmful forces (מזיקין), and Pesach night is ליל שמורים, a night of special Divine protection."

(Taamei haMinhagim 501, from Tur Orach Chaim 487)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

We pray as a community, and we leave as a community

Hi,

"The Sages enacted a special additional blessing (Magen Avot) to be recited at the end of the Friday night Maariv service...

"Why did they do this? Because many people come to pray, and there might be someone who arrived late and won't be done when everyone else finishes, and he might remain alone in the synagogue and be endangered [upon leaving by himself].

"Therefore the Chazan recites this additional blessing, in order that the entire congregation should remain until the late one finishes. They will then all exit together."

(Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Laws of Prayer 9:10-11)

Have a great day,
Mordechai