Midrash Rabbah Devarim on the Halakhah of Reciting Shemoneh Esrei after the Shema

"A question of halakhah: If an Israelite were reciting the Shema, would it be permissible for him to wait following the reciting of the Shema [i.e. get up and do something else], and only later pray the Shemoneh Esrei (Eighteen Blessings)?

"The Sages taught as follows: Immediately following the blessing of redemption [i.e. the blessing after the Shema is read] is the Shemoneh Esrei prayer.

"And one who does these things, what is his reward? Rabbah bar Avin said: If he recites Shema with the accompanying blessings, and immediately following, prays the Shemoneh Esrei, he may be assured that his prayer will be heard."

-- Midrash Rabbah, Devarim Rabbah 2.10 (on Devarim 4:7).


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