Reading Shema, Tefillin, Precision, Compulsiveness, Nerves
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Question
Question for the esteemed Rabbi Amram Fried, shlita: Thank God, I have been studying in a rabbinical program in a kollel for several years. In the past, the process of strengthening was accompanied by compulsiveness in many different commandments, as known from various books. Every time I discuss this with a rabbi, it helps temporarily but does not completely solve the problem. 1 - Reading Shema. Intention in the first verse is essential. From what I have read about it, I know more or less what to focus on to fulfill the obligation. Because my problem has been ongoing for over a decade, I find it difficult to concentrate. If there is a small distraction, it already disrupts the thought in intention. For example: if I am at home and want to read Shema, I cannot do it because someone in the house might suddenly get up and come to me, and it distracts me. In the synagogue - if someone comes to sit next to me in the middle, it disconnects me. All the solutions offered to me helped for a short time. I know there is a commandment to serve God with mental health, how can I do this in my situation? In the past, one rabbi told me not to concentrate at all, and when I asked him when I could concentrate again, he said he couldn't tell me when. And that was a long time ago... In summary - I find it difficult to focus on the desired intention. It requires great effort from me. Sometimes the cantor already reaches the section on tzitzit and even after that. 2 - Putting on the arm tefillin on the bicep, halfway towards the elbow. It is very difficult for me to minimize this, and the ruling of rabbis to rely on the Gra does not help me because I follow the practices of Rabbi Ovadia, of blessed memory, who ruled that even post facto, the obligation is not fulfilled if the tefillin is towards the shoulder. Nowadays, large tefillin are produced, how can one so precisely put it on so that it does not slip down or go up? This precision takes me a long time until I get rid of all doubts in different ways of putting it on... I would be happy to receive the rabbi's advice on the matter, how can I truly do God's will, with the desired intention, and according to the simple Halacha with joy... Thank you very much to the rabbi!!
Answer
Hello,
Response from our teacher, the Gaon, Rabbi Amram Fried, shlita:
Please visit the house of our teacher, Rabbi, shlita, at 28 Daniel Street, Bnei Brak.
Every day between 22:00 - 00:00 at night.
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