Disturbance During the Amida
Question: I brought my child to shul and he began making noise, disturbing others during shemone esrei. Was I permitted to take him out while I was davening ? Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 30b) teaches that one may not interrupt shemone esrei even if a king inquires about one’s welfare or if a snake is coiled around one’s leg. The Gemara (Berachos 32b) clarifies that this restriction applies only in non-dangerous circumstances. The Mishna refers specifically to a Jewish king and to a harmless snake (see Shulchan Aruch OC 104:3). The Vilna Gaon (Biur Hagra, OC 104:3) notes a machlokes regarding whether physical movement constitutes an interruption. According to Rabbeinu Yona (Berachos 21a) and the Rema (OC 104:3), mere movement is not deemed an interruption. However, the Rosh maintains that it is, and therefore one may not move during shemone esrei except in a case of danger. The Magen Avraham (104:3) and Mishna Berura (Biur Halacha 104:3) write that although one should n...