Question: My Hebrew isn’t great and I don’t
understand most of the davening. Is it better for me to daven in
Hebrew or in English?
Answer: There is a machlokes
in the Gemara (Berachos 13a) as to whether shema must be recited in lashon
hakodesh or if it can be read in any language. Rambam (Keriyas Shema 2:10)
and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 62:2) pasken that one can recite it in any
language providing they pronounce the words clearly.
Likewise, one may, if necessary, daven the amida
in any language (Sotah 32a; Shulchan Aruch OC 101:4).
Tosafos (Sotah 32a) writes that one who doesn’t understand
what they’re saying when they’re davening or reciting the shema
has not fulfilled their obligation. They should rather recite it in a different
language that they do understand. The Magen Avraham (OC 62:1; 101:5) and Pri
Megadim (Eishel Avraham 62:1) pasken like Tosafos though the consensus
of poskim is that it is certainly preferable to daven in lashon
hakodesh even when they don’t understand the meaning.
The Mishna Berura (101:13) quotes the Chasam Sofer (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 can’t properly be translated, such as veshinantam or totafos
in the shema, one should stick to lashon hakodesh as much as
possible (See Biur Halacha 62; 101). The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 62:4; 101:9;
185:3) writes that even the names of Hashem can’t properly be translated, and
one mustn’t therefore, daven in a foreign language.
Nonetheless, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:70:4) writes that
if necessary, 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 doesn’t understand the
words. It is certainly best if one uses a siddur with translation so
that they can understand what they’re saying.
Once I heard there is a problem. Let say my mother language is Chinese and I live in England so I can daven in English (like my current place) but not Chinese in this case.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet most yeshivos in Chutzah L'aretz don't have Hebrew language programs!
ReplyDelete