Parting one's feet during the amidah

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

Standing when the Aron Kodesh (Ark) is open

Hi,

The practice of standing when the Aron Kodesh (Ark containing the Torah) is open is not required by the letter of the law. It developed as a popular practice more than 500 years ago in order to demonstrate love and honour for the Torah, but it was not accepted as the type of custom which would have the binding force of law. It is simply a good practice.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 5:38:4)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Nekadesh and Nakdishcha

Hi,

One should use the text of Kedushah that the chazan uses, whether Nekadesh or Naaritzcha, but one who does not do so is not violating "lo titgodidu" since this is not an individual's prayer.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 37:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Standing for the Aseret haDibrot (Ten Commandments)

Hi,

One who is in a synagogue where they stand for the Torah reading of the Aseret haDibrot is obligated to stand, even if his personal custom is not to stand.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:22)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Starting to blow Shofar in Elul

Hi,

The normal custom is for synagogues to begin blowing Shofar on the 1st of Elul, which is the second day of Rosh Chodesh, and this is the practice which should be adopted by communities that do not have a set custom. However, communities which have a tradition of beginning to blow shofar on the first day of Rosh Chodesh should continue to observe that tradition.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:21:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tachanun and local custom

Hi,

One who lives in a place where Tachanun is recited without the 13 attributes of Divine mercy, and who prays at some point with a minyan which does recite them, is obligated to recite them with the community. One may not diverge visibly from communal custom.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:89)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Saying the 13 attributes of Divine mercy with another minyan

Hi,

One who has already prayed, and who then hears a congregation reciting the 13 attributes of Divine mercy, is not required to say it with them. However, where the custom is for bystanders to say it with the congregation, one should do so, even if this interrupts his personal study. Communal study should not be interrupted.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:89)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Breaking from shul practice

Hi,

One who davens in a shul where they say Hallel on Pesach night may not leave, lest his departure be taken as a sign of disagreement with the community. He should recite Hallel, but he should avoid reciting a berachah unless that would be obvious to the community.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 2:94)

Gmar tov,
Mordechai