Short Prayer When Unable to Pray Standing
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
If someone cannot pray the Amidah standing, is it better to pray a short prayer standing or the full prayer sitting?
Answer
One should pray the full Amidah sitting, because if there is time to pray the full Amidah, a short prayer is not established, as it is only intended for situations where there is no time to pray fully.
Source
The reason for leniency to pray sitting in this case is because it does not hinder the main prayer, as explained in Mishnah Berurah, Siman 94, S"K 27, that according to Halacha, if one prayed sitting, they do not need to repeat the prayer. Furthermore, Pri Megadim (there, Mishbetzot Zahav, S"K 5) based on Rambam's words (P"5, Hilchot Tefillah, H"A) writes that even if one prayed sitting without any compulsion, they do not need to repeat the prayer because standing is not essential for the prayer. Even according to Shulchan Aruch (there, S"T) that one must repeat the prayer, it is possible that it is better to pray the full prayer sitting rather than the short prayer, as one who prays a short prayer does not fulfill the main prayer, unlike one who prays sitting, who only does not fulfill the condition of standing, although it is essential, as indicated in Mishnah Berurah, Siman 110, S"K 2.
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 (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)
Become our patrners in supporting and spreading the Torah
Help us answer more questions faster and better
Join the mission