6080 – - Let’s Understand the Understanding!

A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 110:1) rules that in times of need, as when one is traveling or he is in a situation that he is unable to concentrate his mind on the prayers needed, one should shorten the Amida and just say the first three blessings, then follow with the bracha of Havinenu, (translated as “Give us Understanding,”) replacing all the middle thirteen blessings, and then end with the last three usual blessings.

The simple understanding of the Shulchan Aruch is that one should only say Havinenu in cases of Shaas HaDachak or great need. The Shulchan Aruch 110:1 (according to the explanation of the Mishna Berurah 110:2 and Beiur Halacha s.v. Shelo) gives two examples as to when one may say Havinenu: (1) if one is traveling or in any other place where there is a fear that others will interrupt one's Shmoneh Esrei, or (2) if one is in a place where one can’t concentrate because of distractions or sickness. After he regains his calm and peace of mind, he does not need to repeat the Amida. Few Sidurim actually include the Tefila of Havinenu. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is to avoid it.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting, Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a