[Avodah] Shmoneh esrei - 18/19

[Saul Mashbaum]

RRWolpoe
>>

AIUI EY always had 18 and contracted binyan with matzmi'ach after minim
was added.

Either way, we know the contraction existed in Qallir's time because of
his q'rovos (qrovatz) on Purim which as been preserved.
>>

The following may very well be Purim Torah.

I once heard (I know, this is usually not a good introduction to a
reliable source) that Kallir purposely omitted a q'rova for the bracha
of "Et tzemach David" on Purim. Purim's hero came from Binyamin, as
did Shaul HaMelech. In light of the enmity between Shaul and David, it
was deemed unseemly to devote a q'rova to David HaMelech on Purim.

Saul Mashbaum