Praying Outdoors
Question
Can one pray outdoors?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
As a general rule, one should not pray outdoors. It is explained that when praying outdoors one is not able to arouse proper reverence for G-d or the required feelings for prayer. So too, there is the concern that passersby will disturb one’s concentration. As a result of these considerations, the sages call praying outdoors “arrogant” and “haughty.”
One who is forced to pray outdoors should try to do so in a somewhat private spot, such as under a tree or in an area enclosed by fences
While praying indoors is always to be preferred, one should pray outdoors if one would otherwise miss a prayer service.
Source
Berachot 34b with Rashi and Tosfot; OC 90 with commentaries.
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