1)The Shemona Esrei should be recited in a low
(whisper like voice). However, it is important to make sure that each
word is uttered and pronounced, and not merely mouthed inaudibly.
Each
word must be said loud enough to be heard by the person saying it, yet not loud
enough that a person standing nearby can hear it.
If one cannot
concentrate when saying the words too low, he/she may say them a little louder
to promote better concentration, but still may not be said too loud to disturb
any people standing nearby.
2) If one davened and wasn't able to hear the words coming out of their mouths,
as long as the words were actually uttered, he/she has satisfied their
obligation of Tefilah.
However, if the words were not pronounced,
but were just seen by the eyes, and thought about in the mind/heart
(known as Hirhur B'Libo) the obligation of Tefilah was
not satisfied, and the Shemona Esrei must be repeated.
If one is ill,
and unable to speak, he/she should glance at the words in the Siddur and think
of the words in ther heart/mind(Hirhur B'Libo)and
due to their unique circumstance, they have satisfied their obligation of
Tefilah. If their condition improves, and the Zman Tefilah has not yet passed,
they should repeat the Shemona Esrei audibly.
[Similarly, if
one davened the first Bracha of Shemona Esrei, and before the completion of the
Bracha realizes that he/she didn't concentrate on the meaning of the words, they
may go back to the beginning and scan the words and think the words of the
Bracha again- and their meaning-in their heart/mind and thus satisfy the
obligation of Pirush HaMilos for the Bracha of Avos (Psak of Rav
Shlomo Zalman Auerbach Zatzal)]
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
(Reader Submitted
Questions of interest and my Answers taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For
study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. )
Reader's Question:
With regards to a kosher Mechitza, does it neeed to reach
6 feet of opaque [not transparent] or is it allowed to be
clear, like glass, for part or even the whole mechitza?
My Answer:
Rav Mosh Feinstein
Zatzal (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol 1 Siman 43 as well as in Orach
Chaim Vol. 3 Siman 23) maintains that for the halacha of Mechitza to
separate between the genders, it is acceptable to have a mechitza that is all or
part glass.
However, as far as davening with such a
Mechitza it would only be acceptable if the women are dressed 100%
appropriately, otherwise it would be assur to say a Tefilah in front of
them.
Therefore Rav Moshe concludes that such a
Mechitzah, though halachically ok, should be avoided if possible for use as the
shul's permanent Mechitzah,especially since there usually is a woman or two who
isn't dressed 100% according to the laws of Tznius.
Rav Moshe says that the ideal mechitza is a
one way glass, where the women can see well (and feel part of the
davening) while the men cannot see them at
all.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי
אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם
לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who
studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the
world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
