Sunday 24 August 2014
Beracha on New Car
Sunday 17 August 2014
Davening while Flying
Question: Previously when I have flown, I have been
invited to join a minyan on the plane, though have always been
uncomfortable about doing so. I am about to fly again. What should I do if
asked to join a minyan?
Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 95:1) writes that one must
stand with their feet together when reciting the amida.
However, one who has
to daven while riding a donkey, in a carriage or on a boat should do so
while seated unless it is easy to stand (ibid. 94:4). The Mishna Berura (94:13)
explains that it is easier to concentrate this way.
Thus, R’ Moshe
Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:20) writes that one can sit for the amida
on an aeroplane, especially if one will be less distracted. R’ Shlomo
Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 8:4) adds that as davening
with a minyan during a flight will bother other passengers, one should
rather daven the amida while seated.
The Aruch
Hashulchan (OC 94:18) writes that one davening while sitting should
still (keep their feet together and) bow in the appropriate places, standing in
their seat to do so if possible.
Certainly, it is
best to avoid davening while travelling if possible. The Mishna Berura
(89:39; 42) writes that it is better to either daven before travelling
or delay davening until one arrives, even though one will not be davening
at the ideal time, though one must ensure that they do not miss the latest time
to recite the shema or the amida.
In conclusion,
one who needs to daven while on a plane can stand in their seat if they
are not disturbing anyone else. One may sit throughout, though should stand to
bow at the appropriate places if easy to do so. One must not join a minyan
if it will be in the way of others.