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 not move unnecessarily, it is permissible to do so when absolutely required, even if there is no threat to life.

Accordingly, the Mishna Berura (104:1), Aruch Hashulchan (OC 104:4), and Ben Ish Chai (Mishpatim 1:7) advise that if one is distracted by a child during shemone esrei, one should first attempt to motion quietly to the child. If this proves ineffective, one may relocate to another spot to complete the tefilla. Additionally, the Mishna Berura (96:4) cautions against beginning shemone esrei with a young child directly in front of oneself, as such a situation is likely to lead to distraction.

R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (Dirshu Mishna Berura 104:n3) ruled that if a child is disturbing others in shul, the child must be removed, even if this necessitates interrupting one’s shemone esrei.

In conclusion, children should only be brought to shul when it is reasonably expected that they will not cause a disturbance. If, however, a child does begin to disturb, parents are permitted to remove them even in the midst of shemone esrei. In the absence of a parent, if a child is disrupting the tefilla, one may move away from the disturbance and continue the amida elsewhere.

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