1) While reciting [the first Parsha of] Krias Shema, it is forbidden to interrupt the recital with talking, hand gestures, head gestures, winking or any other interruptions, even if they are being done for a Mitzvah.

 

The Mishna Berura and other Poskim forbid interruptions during the second Parsha of Krias Shema as well. However, for a Mitzvah they permit gesturing etc. Actually talking however is forbidden even for a Mitzvah.

 

There are Poskim that forbid all of the above during the third Parsha of Krias Shema as well (Pri Megadim’s interpretation of the Kesef Mishna and others)

 

2) Between the Parshiyos (Bein Haperakim) gesturing is permitted for the sake of a Mitzvah, according to all opinions.

 

One who transgresses and does gesture etc. during Krias Shema does not need to repeat the Krias Shema, however he/she must know that it is a shameful practice. (See Rambam Hilchos Krias Shema Perek 2 Halacha 8. Also see Mishna Berura and Biur Halacha Siman 191)

 

Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh

 

1) One may gesture during Krias Shema (even during the first Parsha) for the purposes of inducing Kavanah (e.g. moving the head or hands in all different directions to visualize Hashem’s presence in all places in the universe, or similar gestures).

 

Similarly, it is permitted to touch and kiss the Tefilin during Krias Shema. (Kissing a siddur, Sefer Torah, or pointing to a Sefer Torah during Hagbah, however, is forbidden during Krias Shema)

 

2) If a child is disturbing your Kavanah, you may gesture to him to be quiet.

 

However, you may not gesture to a child to tell him to daven, or to show him the place in the Siddur during the first Parsha of Krias Shema.

 

Some Poskim (Chazon Ish, Rav Chaim Kanievsky and others) permit standing up for a Talmid Chacham that enters a room, even during the first Posuk of Krias Shema. Others (Shu"tTzitz Eliezer) forbid it, during all three parshiyos. Some Poskim (Ohel Baruch, Az Nidbiru) permit it, except during the first Parsha.

 

 

What’s the deal with davening in the car?

 

for example today, I was on the way back from work (highway), cutting it close to shkia (sunset), and was stuck in traffic, and it was pouring outside. can one pull over to side of street and stay seated and daven in car? if so, does this heter only apply if it were raining outside, but if it wasnt raining, would one have to get out of the car to stand up properly for the amida? what if it wasnt safe to do so (i.e. bad neighborhood, highway)? 
  

My Answer:  

Davening while driving a car is absolutely prohibited according to the Poskim, as it is impossible to concentrate on the road and on davening at the same time.(and is unlike riding on a donkey inthe olden days, where the halacha is that you may daven while "driving" the donkey)

 

If you pull over to the side of the road it is ok to daven. Preferably you should go outside and stand for Shemona Esrei. If that isn’t possible, as you indicated it was pouring rain or if it is a dangerous neighborhood, then you may indeed daven sitting down in your car. All of the above is provided that you are running against the clock and will not be able to daven  normally when you get to your destination safely.

 

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 )

 

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