Praying in a Shul with a Stone Floor: Difference between revisions

#An additional reason for the current practice to not bow down during Tefillah on any floor surfaces . Originally, fully prostrating oneself was the a fixture of Shacharit as it was the way Nefilat Apai’im was accomplished.<ref> Rambam Hilchot Tefilah 5:13-14 </ref> Fully prostrating oneself with the expectation of being answered was reserved to those of great righteous stature. This practice was abolished, even when not on a stone surface, so as not to degrade people who would prostrate themselves and ultimately not be answered<ref> Taanit 22b, see Rashi s.v. Elah Im Kein </ref>.

#In light of this, the custom is to tilt one’s head and rest it on his arm.<ref> Rambam Seder HaTefillah 9:5 in his interpretation of the words, “Abaye V’Rava k’Dnaflu al apai'ihu atzlu atlzuyei" (Taanit 22b)</ref> This is permitted even if one is resting his feet on a stone floor.<ref> Mishna Berurah Orach Chaim 131:8 S”K 41 </ref>