Daven in English

Question: My Hebrew is not great, and I do not understand most of the davening. Is it better for me to daven in Hebrew or in English?

Answer: The Mishna (Sotah 32a) teaches that one may recite the shema and the amida in any language. Thus, Rambam (Kerias Shema 2:10) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 62:2) write that one can recite the shema in any language providing they pronounce the words clearly. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 101:4) writes that one may daven the amida in any language though brings different opinions as to whether this applies equally to public and private prayers.

Tosafos (Sotah 32a) writes that one who does not understand what they are saying when they are reciting the shema or davening has not fulfilled their obligation. They should rather recite it in a different language that they do understand. The Magen Avraham (62:1; 101:5) paskens like Tosafos (see Pri Megadim, Eshel Avraham 62:1).

Nonetheless, the Mishna Berura (101:13) quotes the Chasam Sofer (OC 84; 86) who demonstrates that one may only daven in a foreign language as a temporary measure. Elsewhere (62:3) he explains that as there are certain words that cannot properly be translated, such as veshinantam and totafos in the shema, one should stick to lashon hakodesh as much as possible (see Biur Halacha 62:2; 101:4). The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 62:4; 101:9; 185:3) adds that even the names of Hashem cannot properly be translated, and one must not therefore, daven in a foreign language.

Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:70:4) writes that while one is learning Hebrew, one may daven in English, though they must ensure to only use a good translation (see Rivevos Ephraim 3:92; 4:44:34).

In conclusion, it is certainly preferable to daven in the original lashon hakodesh even if one does not understand the words. Ideally, one should use a siddur with translation so that they can understand what they are saying. Only if one cannot read Hebrew, should they recite the tefillos in English.