Ahavat Olam

For the blessing recited before Shema in the Jewish morning prayer, see Ahava rabbah.

Ahavat Olam (Hebrew: אהבת עולם, Eternal love) is the second prayer that is recited during Maariv. It is the parallel blessing to Ahava Rabbah that is recited during Shacharit, and likewise, is an expression to God for the gift of the Torah.[1]

In the Ashkenazic rite, Ahava Rabbah is recited in the morning and Ahavat Olam is recited in the evening as a compromise. Sephardim recite Ahavat Olam at both Shacharit and Maariv.[2] The debate over this recitation occurred between the Geonim. Amram Gaon ruled according to the current Ashkenazi custom, whereas later geonim - Saadia Gaon, Sherira Gaon, and Hai Gaon - called for reciting Ahavat Olam at both prayers.[3]

  1. ^ Richard N. Levy, Śiaḥ śarfe ḳodesh, Hillel, the Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, page 62
  2. ^ Ronald L. Eisenberg, The JPS guide to Jewish traditions, Jewish Publication Society, p.412-13
  3. ^ My People's Prayer Book: Welcoming the night: Minchah and Ma'ariv By Lawrence A. Hoffman, Marc Brettler, page 63