Kriyat Shema: Difference between revisions
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==Kavana one needs for Shema== | ==Kavana one needs for Shema== | ||
# Besides Kavana that one has to fulfill the positive Mitzvah to say Shema (since we hold [[Mitzvot need Kavana]]), one needs to understand what one is saying in the first pasuk of Shema because of the Kabalat Ol Malchut Shamayim (acceptance of yoke of heaven) and [[Yichud]] Hashem (knowing the Hashem is one). <Ref> Sh”t Rashba 1:344 writes that even though one needs Kavana by every mitzvah by Shema and [[Shmoneh Esrei]] one needs also to think about the words. This is also the opinion of S”A 60:5 </ref> However, in the rest of Shema one only needs Kavana to say the words (not to be Metasek, accidentally doing the action). <Ref> Raah ([[Brachot]] 2e) writes that there’s three levels of Kavana; first is not to be Metasek to intend to do the action of the mitzvah such as reading the words of Shema even if his intention is to check that it’s written correctly, then second is Kavana to fulfill every mitzvah, and the third Kavana is to intend every word for Hashem as one is able. This is quoted by Sefer Hashlama, Sefer Meorot, Rav Avraham Alashvili, Shitah Mekubeset, Ritva all found on [[Brachot]] 13a, and Avudraham (Siddur Kol Hashana). S”A 60:5 rules that the first Kavana is sufficient for the rest of Shema and the third level of Kavana is needed for the first pasuk of Shema. This is also the opinion of many Achronim including Sh”t Radvaz 4:1094, Magen Avrham 60:4, Pri [[Chadash]] 60:5, Eliyah Raba 60:3, Pri Megadim A”A 60:4, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 60:5 and Halacha Brurah 60:17. </ref> | # Besides Kavana that one has to fulfill the positive Mitzvah to say Shema (since we hold [[Mitzvot need Kavana]]), one needs to understand what one is saying in the first pasuk of Shema because of the Kabalat Ol Malchut Shamayim (acceptance of yoke of heaven) and [[Yichud]] Hashem (knowing the Hashem is one). <Ref> Sh”t Rashba 1:344 writes that even though one needs Kavana by every mitzvah by Shema and [[Shmoneh Esrei]] one needs also to think about the words. This is also the opinion of S”A 60:5 </ref> However, in the rest of Shema one only needs Kavana to say the words (not to be Metasek, accidentally doing the action). <Ref> Raah ([[Brachot]] 2e) writes that there’s three levels of Kavana; first is not to be Metasek to intend to do the action of the mitzvah such as reading the words of Shema even if his intention is to check that it’s written correctly, then second is Kavana to fulfill every mitzvah, and the third Kavana is to intend every word for Hashem as one is able. This is quoted by Sefer Hashlama, Sefer Meorot, Rav Avraham Alashvili, Shitah Mekubeset, Ritva all found on [[Brachot]] 13a, and Avudraham (Siddur Kol Hashana). S”A 60:5 rules that the first Kavana is sufficient for the rest of Shema and the third level of Kavana is needed for the first pasuk of Shema. This is also the opinion of many Achronim including Sh”t Radvaz 4:1094, Magen Avrham 60:4, Pri [[Chadash]] 60:5, Eliyah Raba 60:3, Pri Megadim A”A 60:4, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 60:5 and Halacha Brurah 60:17. </ref> | ||
==Position for Kriyat Shema== | |||
# Generally, it is proper to sit for Shema.<ref>Hagahot Maimoniyot (Kriyat Shema 2:3) writes that it is best to sit for Shema. Darkei Moshe 63:2 cites this. Kaf Hachaim 63:6 writes that based on Kabbalah it is best to sit for Shema. Yafeh Lelev 63:2 and Kaf Hachaim cite some midrashim that point to the fact that it is fitting to sit for Shema. [http://www.schechter.ac.il/schechter/ShirHashirim/min_50.pdf Midrash Chazit on Shir Hashirim 2:9, p. 46] writes that as a reward for the fact that Avraham was ready to serve the guests Hashem told him to sit and He would reside over Avraham, so too when we say Shema we can sit while Hashem's presences rests above us. However, see Halacha Brurah 63:3 in the footnote where he cites the practice of the Chatom Sofer to stand for all of davening from Baruch She’amar through Shemona Esrei since in his opinion it was more respectful.</ref> | |||
# If one is already sitting there is no question that one may remain sitting for Shema. Even if one was standing but is only up to the bracha of Ahava Rabba before Shema one may sit.<ref>Levushei Mordechai 213:3</ref> | |||
# At Shacharit if he is standing he is allowed to sit. Some say he is not allowed to sit.<ref>Ateret Zekenim 63:2 permits and Eliyah Rabba 63:4 writes that he was discussing Shacharit and Arvit. The Magen Giborim 63:2 writes that it is forbidden to sit if one is standing by Arvit but not for Shacharit. However, the Pri Megadim E"A 63:2 writes that it is forbidden to sit if one is standing even at Shacharit so that one doesn't make a mistake and do the same at Arvit. The Mishna Brurah 63:7 accepts the opinion of the Pri Megadim. </ref> | |||
# At Shacharit if he is sitting he is not allowed to stand.<ref>Rav Amram Goan cited by Tur 63:2, Shulchan Aruch 63:2, Bach 63:2, Halacha Brurah 63:3. The explanation for this halacha is that by standing one is demonstrating that one is following the opinion of Bet Shamay and since we follow Bet Hillel it is incorrect to disregard Bet Hillel and follow Bet Shamay (Brachot 11a, Shulchan Aruch Harav 63:2). </ref> After the fact one fulfills one’s obligation.<ref>Tosfot Brachot 11a understands that if one was strict for Bet Shamay one fulfilled one’s obligation but Rabbenu Shemaya said that one didn’t fulfill one’s obligation. The Kaf Hachaim 63:8 writes that one does fulfill one’s obligation. </ref> If he is doing so to improve his kavana, such as if he is tired and wants to stand, some say it is permitted<ref>Ateret Zekenim 63:2, Eliyah Rabba 63:4, Chesed Lalafim 63:2, Ben Ish Chai Vaera 15, Kaf Hachaim 63:9, Halacha Brurah 63:4</ref> and others say it is forbidden.<ref>Pri Megadim E”A 63:2, Mishna Brurah 63:5 </ref> | |||
# At Arvit if he is sitting he is not allowed to stand.<ref>Halacha Brurah 63:3</ref> | |||
# At Arvit if he is standing some say he is not allowed to sit.<ref>Eliyah Rabba 63:4 writes that it is permitted to sit. Bach 63:2 implies that it is forbidden. Magen Giborim 63:2 and Pri Megadim E”A 63:2 forbid. Mishna Brurah 63:7 accepts the Pri Megadim. </ref> | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category:Prayer]] | [[Category:Prayer]] | ||
