Should I pray in Hebrew, even if I don't understand the language?

by Rabbi Naftali Silberberg

Library » Miscellaneous » Hebrew / Languages » Hebrew | Subscribe | What is RSS? PRINT EMAIL COMMENT If you feel more comfortable praying in your vernacular--go right ahead. If you wish to pray in Hebrew, you may do so provided that you understand the translation of the first section of the Shema and the first blessing of the Amidah. If you do not know the meaning of these sections, then they must be recited in a language which you understand. Although G-d understands all languages, Hebrew is the "Holy Tongue," and thus it is the optimal language in which to converse to G-d Although G-d understands all languages, Hebrew is the "Holy Tongue," and thus it is the optimal language in which to converse to G-d. It is worthwhile to invest the necessary time and energy to join a class to study this special language -- the language spoken by our ancestors, the Patriarchs, Moses, and all the prophets. The original can't be beat! ADD A COMMENT Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in). COMMENTS Lashon "juste" Posted by: Moshe, Fresno, CA, United States on May 28, 2007 If I waited until I understood most all of the Hebrew before I could pray in Hebrew, I would be waiting a long time. If I prayed in English because I was not yet familiar with the literal interpretation of prayers, I would never have reason nor motivation to learn Hebrew. Would it not be ideal to learn to pray in Hebrew while at the same time studying the language? Editor's Comment I often advise people to do just that. One method of learning the Hebrew meaning of the prayers is to choose a prayer to begin with and when you read that prayer recite one line in Hebrew, then read that line (with your eyes only) in English. Alternatively you can write little translations on top of the Hebrew words so you see both simultaneously. read more less RELATED CATEGORIES Mitzvot » Prayer » Laws and Customs Miscellaneous » Hebrew / Languages » Other Languages Email to a friend Post a comment cancel Loading...