Hi,
The Talmud
mentions that we stand with our legs aligned when reciting the amidah, to mimic
the malachim, who are described in Yechezkel 1:7 as having "a single,
straight leg."
The
Talmudic commentary "Talmidei d'Rabbeinu Yonah" to Berachot 10b does
note that some people had a practice of pointing their toes somewhat outward,
to fulfill another part of that biblical verse, which describes the feet of the
malach is being "like that of a calf", implying a split hoof.
However, this was explicitly rejected by every major halachic authority from
that time and onward. Therefore, one who is physically capable should keep his
feet entirely together.
One whose
ancestors or whose rebbe customarily separates his feet should nonetheless
change his practice to follow the mainstream view; the rejected view cited in
Talmidei d'Rabbeinu Yonah does not qualify as a legitimate custom, because of
its explicit rejection by halachic authorities.
(Rav Moshe
Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:37:5)
Have a
great day,
Mordechai
No comments:
Post a Comment