Prayer: In Front of a Mirror

Can one pray in front of a mirror?

One is not permitted to pray in front of a mirror. One of the reasons for this is because doing so can ruin one’s concentration. Where there is no alternative, one should close one’s eyes (1)  or keep one’s eyes focused on one’s siddur.(2)   Another reason is because when one bows during prayer, it appears as if one is bowing down to oneself. According to this explanation, it is forbidden to pray in front of a mirror even if one’s eyes are closed.(3)

Similar to the issue of praying in front of a mirror is praying in front of a window when one can see one’s image in the window, as is common at night. Some authorities rule that one need not extend the prohibition against praying in front of a mirror to a window, or any other reflection, for that matter. This is because no onlooker would assume that one is intending to bow to oneself. (4) Others are more strict and rule that it is forbidden to pray in front of a window when one’s reflection can be seen, but when there is no choice, one may do so if one closes one’s eyes. (5) These issues of praying in front of a mirror (or reflection) only truly apply for reciting Shemoneh Esrei. In pressing circumstances, one may recite all other prayers in front of a mirror, if need be.(6)  On a related note, it is best not to pray in front of pictures, either. (7)

On a related note and contrary to widespread misconception, the primary reason for covering the mirrors in a shiva house is due to the prohibition against praying in front of a mirror. Since the shiva house is essentially designated as a place of prayer for the duration of the shiva week, all mirrors are covered in case, due to space limitations and the like, someone might be positioned in front of a mirror during services. (8) As such, there is no true requirement to cover the mirrors in the bathrooms of a shiva house.

[1] Radbaz 4:1097; OC 90:23; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 90:22; Mishna Berura 90:70. But see Kaf Hachaim (Palagi) 15:9; Ben Ish Chai, Yitro 1:14; Or L’tzion 2:7:11.

[2] Mishna Berura 90:63.

[3] Mishna Berura 90:71; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 90:28.

[4] Or L'tzion 2:7:11; Shevet Halevi 9:21:2

[5] Shevet Halevi 9:21:1

[6] Shevet Hakehati 6:82.

[7] Magen Avraham 90:37

[8] Shearim Metzuyanim B’halacha 210:2.