Poppies for Remembrance Day

Hi,

Is wearing a poppy for Remembrance Day prohibited as chukot akum?

It is certainly appropriate for a Jew to demonstrate gratitude to the Canadian armed forces, by memorializing those who lost their lives in defense of others. This fulfills the mandate of hakarat hatov (recognizing the good provided by others) and darchei shalom (promoting a peaceful society).

The law of chukot akum prohibits wearing clothing which mimics the styles of non-Jews, but it is specific to articles of clothing which (1) violate the Torah's moral standards or (2) are worn for reasons that might trace back to idolatry. The poppy does not violate the Torah's moral standards, and the reason for wearing it is well-known: to evoke the imagery of a World War I poem, In Flanders Fields. Therefore, chukot akum would not prohibit wearing the poppy.

One who wears the poppy might consider removing it for davening; halachic authorities discourage introduction of eye-catching distractions in a shul.

One who will don the poppy on Shabbat should be careful to follow the rules regarding "stitching" on Shabbat, being careful not to pass the straight pin through the garment more than once.

(Chukot Akum: Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:1; Maharik 88; Rama Yoreh Deah 178:1; Chashukei Chemed Ketuvot 104b; Davening distractions: Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 90:23; Mishneh Berurah 90:70; Shabbat stitching: Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah 15:70)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Praying with awareness

Hi,
"One whose heart is not opened, who does not see himself as standing before Gd and praying, is not performing an act of prayer."

(Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik to Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 4:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Synagogue artwork

Hi,

One should not pray opposite clothes with designs, or artwork, which might distract him.

(Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 90:23)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Concentration vs. Minyan

Hi,

One whose concentration is disturbed when he prays with others, but who is able to maintain the basic concentration level required to fulfill the requirements of prayer [see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 70:3], is obligated to pray with a minyan despite the lack of greater concentration.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:7)

Have a great day,
Mordechai