Daily Halacha: Praying Without Understanding Hebrew

Two daily halachot from Halacha Lemaaseh by Rabbi Yaron Ashkenazi shlita, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef zt"l.

If Someone Does Not Understand Hebrew, What Language Should They Pray In?

Ideally, the Amidah should be recited in Hebrew (Lashon HaKodesh, the Holy Tongue). Even in places where Hebrew is not widely understood, it is preferable to use a prayer book that includes the Hebrew text alongside a translation or explanation, allowing worshippers to understand the meaning of the words while preserving the sanctity of the original language.

When it comes to personal supplications and requests made after the formal prayer, a person who is not fluent in Hebrew may pray in a language they understand, provided the words come sincerely from the heart.

If praying with a congregation, personal requests may be recited in any language. When praying alone, it is preferable to make those requests in Hebrew. However, if a person does not understand Hebrew at all, there is room to be lenient in pressing circumstances and allow personal prayers in another language even when praying individually.

May a Sephardi Jew Change to a Different Prayer Rite?

A Sephardi Jew who received the Edot HaMizrach (Sephardic) prayer rite from his ancestors should continue praying according to that tradition and should not switch to a different nusach (prayer rite). The same principle applies in reverse: every community should strive to maintain the prayer tradition passed down through its family and ancestors.

Today's Quote

"And this is the teaching regarding man: every Jewish person should never say in his heart, Heaven forbid, 'What am I, and what power do I have to accomplish anything through my lowly actions in the world?' Rather, he should understand, know, and firmly establish in the thoughts of his heart that every detail of his actions, speech, and thoughts, at every moment, is not lost. How great are his deeds, how very exalted and elevated they are, for each one rises according to its root to accomplish its effect in the highest heavens, in the worlds and the radiance of the supernal lights."

(Nefesh HaChaim, Gate 1, Chapter 4)

What This Means

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin teaches a powerful lesson about the value and significance of every Jew.

It is easy to look at ourselves and wonder whether our actions really matter. We may feel small, ordinary, or incapable of making a meaningful difference. But Nefesh HaChaim teaches the opposite. Every thought, every word, and every action leaves a lasting impression.

No sincere prayer is wasted. No act of kindness disappears. No mitzvah is insignificant.

Even actions that seem small in our eyes have a spiritual impact far beyond what we can see. According to Rabbi Chaim, every deed rises to its spiritual source and affects the higher worlds in ways we cannot fully comprehend.

This perspective should inspire us to recognize our true worth. A kind word, a moment of prayer, an act of generosity, or a simple mitzvah may seem small on earth, but in Heaven they carry tremendous weight.

When a Jew understands the value of their actions, they begin to live with greater purpose, confidence, and appreciation for the opportunities Hashem places before them each day.