FAQ Category: Tefillah

Shalom Rabbi! Can a mechalel shabbat be counted as part of a minyan?

RL / December 29, 2020 /

The Mishna Berura (סימן נה ס”ק מו) writes that one who desecrates Shabbat in public has the status of a non-Jew and cannot be counted for a minyan. There are, however, two sources to permit counting such a person for a minyan. The first source is Rav Moshe Feinstein. Rav Moshe quotes the Gemara(סנהדרין עד) […]

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During the amida we prostrate and rise up at Hashem’s name but during temple times and in heavenly worship we prostrate, bow and fall on our faces at Hashem’s name, why the drastic change? Does not the latter seem more logical and correct?

A. R. / December 28, 2020 /

During temple times, where the shchina (diving presence) was palpably felt, we would prostrate and fall on our faces in sheer awe. However, today in galut (exile) where we don’t feel Hashem’s presence as much, it suffices to bow as a sign of deference and respect without falling completely on our faces.

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