Community Magazine September 2012

1 HOW SHOULD ONE PREPARE HIMSELF TO PRAY? a) One should arrive early before the start of the minyan in order to give himself a few minutes to clear his mind before tefillah – even from thoughts of Torah – so that he can focus on praying to Hashem.. The Shulhan Aruch ( Orah Hayim 93:1) tells of exceptionally pious people who would prepare themselves for an entire hour before beginning the Amidah . Although this custom may not be practical for us, it is still recommended that one wait at least a few seconds before beginning the Amidah . b) Clean and appropriate garments should be worn for tefillah . Slacks and a polo/button down shirt are more suitable for approaching Hashem, our King, than sportswear. c) The restroom should be used before praying. d) Hands should be washed netillat yadayim without a beracha . e) Cellphones should be turned off – and not just switched to vibrate or silent mode – before one enters the synagogue. 2 WHAT SHOULD ONE THINK IN HIS MIND WHILE PRAYING TO HASHEM? a) One should be consciously aware that he is standing in front of Hashem, the Master of the universe. b) One should concentrate on the plain meaning of the words being recited. One who does not understand the meaning of the words of the tefillah should make the time to learn them. The Arizal (Rabbi Yitzhak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572) made a point of praying specifically from a siddur to enhance his concentration. 3 HOW SHOULD ONE STAND WHILE RECITING THE AMIDAH ? The Shulhan Aruch ( Orah Hayim 95:1) writes that one should keep his feet together while reciting the Amidah in order to resemble the angels who stand before Hashem with their feet together. Another reason is given by the Kaf Hahayim (Hacham Yaakov Haim Sofer, Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939), who explains that we keep our feet together as though we feel too weary to walk, such that we will have the patience and peace of mind to pray slowly and with proper concentration. The Mishnah Berurah comments that one who did not keep his feet together during the Amidah has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation of prayer. Furthermore, the Yalkut Yosef rules that an ill or elderly person who experiences difficulty standing with his feet together may keep his feet apart during the Amidah . 4 WHICH ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE AVOIDED RIGHT BEFORE PRAYING MINHA ? One should not begin praying Minha immediately after a court case (even a case in Bet Din), or after the study of complex halachot , as his mind will still be preoccupied by the case or the halachic material while he prays. It should go without saying that one should not begin praying Minha immediately after a lighthearted conversation. In general, as mentioned earlier, one should spend a few moments clearing his mind before beginning to pray. 5 HOW DO PRAYER LAWS PERTAIN TO HATZALAH AND OTHER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS? The Shulhan Aruch ( Orah Hayim 93:4) rules that one may begin praying immediately after engaging in communal needs, as such engagement is a positive, uplifting experience. Moreover, the Mishnah Berurah comments that if there is an urgent communal matter to which no one else can attend, one is exempt from praying while tending to the matter in question. In such a case, the individual does not need to make up the missed prayer by praying the next Amida twice. If he has time to pause and pray but remains mentally involved in the issue at hand, he should clear his mind to the best of his ability and pray. 6 MAY ONE HOLD AN OBJECT IN HIS/ HER HAND WHILE PRAYING? The Shulhan Aruch ( Orah Hayim 96:1) rules that while praying one should not hold in his hand tefillin that he is not wearing (unless he is concerned that the tefillin may otherwise be stolen, such as on a train or bus), or a book, a plate, a knife, money or a loaf of bread. The reason is that one who holds an object of value focuses his attention on keeping the object secure so as to avoid a financial loss, which would naturally undermine his ability to properly concentrate on his prayer. (In the case of a knife, one focuses his attention on ensuring that he does not hurt himself with the blade.) One may hold a lulav while praying the Amidah during Succot, as holding it constitutes a missva and will not cause a distraction. Likewise, on may hold a mahzor or siddur while praying, since it is being used for the prayer itself. Halachic authorities debate the question of whether holding objects other than those mentioned above is permissible during the Amidah . Some maintain that the objects listed by the Shulhan Aruch are mentioned as common examples, but this prohibition actually applies even to other objects, whereas others claim that other articles may be held. Consult your rabbi for more guidance. RABBI DANIEL D. LEVY The Top 10 Questions & Answers on Customs and Laws oF D dicated oving emo y Hac a N i Ma a . Conduct During Prayer 72 Community magazine