The Secret of "Eighteen"
The Shomeneh Esrei prayer, is formulated with eighteen blessings, and the Shemah Yisrael prayer, mentions the Name of HaShem eighteen times. The significance of eighteen found in our prayer, corresponds to the eighteen vertebrae found in the human spinal column. Man, the microcosm of the universe, has the spiritual capacity to draw the blessings and holiness of HaShem into the world through the Mitzvos that he performs.
Lesson: Klal Yisrael have the privilege to draw down HaShem's blessings, holiness, and light from the Spiritual Wellsprings.
Visualization: Envision Moshe Rabenu praying for Klal Yisrael. See him drawing down holiness, blessings, and redemption. When you pray the Shemoneh Esrei prayer, be conscious of the holy Shechinah bringing endless kindness and compassion into the world -- and rejoice as you pray.
(Based on the Midrash as explained by Rabenu Yonah)
