1) It
is a Mitzvah Min HaMuvchar (ideal way to fulfill the Mitzvah)
to daven in Lashon Kodesh (old Hebrew).
The
reason for this is that one who davens in Lashon Kodesh, the holy tongue,
fulfills his/her obligation of Tefilah even if he/she doesn’t understand the
words.
2)The exception to this is the first Pasuk of Krias Shma and the
first Bracha of Shemona Esrei, which must be understood, even if said in
Hebrew (as we discussed in the previous Halachos. See
archives on HalachaForToday.com.)
Halachos for Tuesday, Shemini
Atzeres
1) If one has a difficult time pronouncing Hebrew words,
and/or can’t have proper Kavanah (concentration) when davening in Hebrew,
according to many Poskim, they may daven in their native tongue, provided that
they are sticking to the strict translation of the Tefilos as we have them, and
not making up any new prayers. Not doing so invalidates the prayer, according to
Rav Moshe Feinstein and other Poskim.
Davening in any language besides
Hebrew should only be done if absolutely necessary, as many Poskim have serious
Halachic issues with doing this. Please consult a competent Rav before relying
on this.
2) According to many Poskim, the above Halacha applies as well
to Kiddush, Brachos on foods, Brachos on Mitzvos and Hallel (See Biur
Halacha Siman 42). Some Poskim maintain that only certain Tefilos and
Selichos may be said in your native tongue, and not all Brachos etc.
(see Aruch HaShulchan Siman 101)
Halachos for Wednesday, Simchas
Torah
1) When davening Pesukei
D’Zimrah, Krias Shema and Shemona Esrei, it is prohibited to hold anything in
your hands, as the fear of dropping the item will prevent proper concentration
on the davening.
This includes Seforim, Tefillin, money and similar
items. Even items which one isn’t afraid of them falling, should
L’Chatchilah not be held either. If one did daven while holding any
object, the Tefilah need not be repeated.
The exceptions to this rule
is something that is necessary to hold for the actual davening, such as a Siddur
to daven from, a Lulav and esrog on Sukkos or a Chazzan who holds the Sefer
Torah while reciting Birchas HaChodesh. (See Ritva to
Sukkah 41b for additional reasons to allow this) 2)
Ideally, one should refrain from having anything hang off their shoulders during
Shemona Esrei.
This includes Cameras, pocket books, purses,
Tefillin/Tallis Bags, etc.
Soldiers, who must have their weapons on their shoulder, at the
ready, may daven with them. However, if it isn’t necessary for it to be slung
over their shoulders at that precise time, it is best to remove them for the
duration of the Shemona Esrei.
It is prohibited to daven Shemona Esrei
while holding an infant or a child. Rav Chaim Kanievsky Shlita maintains that
this applies to Pesukei D’Zimra and Kerias Shema as well, and not only Shemona
Esrei.
Reader’s Question:
I work in the city and many people still don’t wear yarmulkes. furthermore
when they come to mincha they don’t put it on until they get to the minyan. Yes,
that means they walk from the offices to the place of the minyan without a
yarmulka on. So then whats the
Heter? ?
My Answer:
Unfortunately, a lot of people today in the
city and other places do as you described. There really isn’t any acceptable
Heter today’s day and age for this behaviour.
Today, especially in America, people are free to walk the streets
dressed (or undressed, unfortunately) as they please. Nobody stops them from
wearing burkas, turbans, mini skirts, body pircings or pajamas in the street!
There is no reason a frum Jew should not proudly wear his Yarmulka on his head
and his Tzitzis proudly displayed on his side!
All the Heterim that the Poskim found in the olden days really don’t
apply today.
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
