Chapter 18 – Shemoneh Esreh (eighteen; silent prayer)
18.1) The time for saying morning prayers begins at sunrise.
18.2) Remove all phlegm and saliva, or anything that distracts your thoughts, before saying the Shemoneh esreh (eighteen; silent prayer).
18.3) Concentrate on the prayers and banish all thoughts from your mind that may trouble you during the Shemoneh esreh.
18.4) When saying the Shemoneh esreh, think of the meaning of the words.
18.5) Place your feet close together, bow your head, and close your eyes when reading the Siddur.
18.6) Pray the Shemoneh esreh quietly to yourself.
18.7) Do not lean against anything when praying the Shemoneh unless you are ill.
18.8) Have only the Siddur (prayer book) or the Mahor in your hand when praying the Shemoneh.
18.9) Do not belch, stretch, or yawn while praying the Shemoneh.
18.10) Stand facing the Land of Israel when praying the Shemoneh.
18.11) Bend your knees and bow four times while saying the Shemoneh.
18.12) Concluding the Shema, say, “O my G-d guard,” take three steps backwards, and say, “He who maketh peace.” )
18.13) Remain standing with your feet close together until the hazan (cantor of a synagogue) reaches the kedushah (the third section of all Amidah recitations).
18.14) Do not blink, twitch your lips, point a finger, or interrupt the kaddish (a hymn of praises to G-d) hazan, or barhu (blessed ye).
18.15) You may interrupt the Shema (three portions of the Holy Scriptures in Deuteronomy and Numbers; one of only two prayers that are specifically commanded in Torah) at certain sections.
18.16) Do not begin prayers until you have gone to the bathroom.
18.17) If you must pass wind, step four cubits (about 6 feet) away and wait until the odor passes before returning to your place.
18.18) Do not sit within four cubits of someone praying the Shemoneh esreh.
18.19) A feeble person may remain seated within four cubits of another praying the Shemoneh esreh (eighteen; silent prayer).
18.20) If you are sitting when another comes along to pray, you do not need to rise.
18.21) Do not pass within four cubits in front of someone praying the Shemoneh esreh.
18.22) Do not say the Shemoneh esreh while intoxicated.