Falling on the Face on Shabbat in Times of Distress

This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →

Question

Honorable Rabbi, shlita, in these days, which are a time of distress for all of Israel, should one perform the 'falling on the face' even on Rosh Chodesh and Shabbat, according to the words of the Maharam of Rothenburg in his responsa, sign 643, where he writes: "And again we find that when there is an event and a person needs mercy, he should ask and fall on his face individually in every prayer, even on Shabbat, as Rava bar Machsya said, Rav Chama bar Gurya said, Rav said (Shabbat 11a): 'A fast for a dream is as effective as fire for flax,' and Rav Chisda said: 'And on that day, even on Shabbat,' and certainly to fall on one's face, there is nothing wrong with it. But in the community, they do not fall on their faces, and if, God forbid, Israel is in distress, it is permissible to ask for mercy and fall on their faces on Shabbat, even in the community, as our sages taught (Bava Batra 91a): 'They cry out for commerce, even on Shabbat,' and Rabbi Yochanan said: 'Such as linen goods in Babylon and wine and oil in the land of Israel.' His words were brought by the Eliyah Rabbah, sign 131, section 9, both for individuals and for the community, and also the Magen Avraham in sign 288, section 13, and Ba'er Heitev there, and Mishnah Berurah, sign 288, section 26, for individuals [and seemingly also for the community, which makes no difference]. It is also explained in the Or Zarua, laws of Rosh Chodesh, sign 426, regarding Rosh Chodesh, and so it is written in Moed Katan, sign 131, that it is proven in the Gemara that on Rosh Chodesh it is not prohibited and for necessity it is permitted. I would be very happy to receive our teacher's response on this matter, as I have not seen anyone raise this issue.

Answer

Permitted, but it is not customary.

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission
More questions in this category