עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Covering Eyes During Shema
Question
Hello, esteemed Rabbi,
Is covering the eyes during Shema according to Kabbalah?
I have seen people cover their eyes during the afternoon and evening prayers with their whole hand, and not in the position of the thumb and pinky at the corners of the eyes with three fingers on the forehead, as is customary... If so, how is it covered, and when?
Thank you and all the best.
Answer
Greetings,
1. According to the plain meaning, the reason for covering the eyes during Shema is so that one does not look at something else that could prevent proper concentration (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 61:5), and there is also a reason for this according to Kabbalah (see Seder Ha'ARI z"l, and Makor Chaim 61:6).
2. The common practice is to place the hand over the eyes during Shema, however, some have the custom when covering the eyes to position the fingers to resemble the letters Shin, Dalet, and Yud, meaning the thumb resembling a Yud, the index finger resembling a Dalet, and the other fingers resembling a Shin (see Maor Yisrael, Vol. 1, Tractate Berachot 15b, s.v. Kol).
3. One places the hand over the eyes each time one recites Shema, until after saying 'Baruch Shem K'vod Malchuto L'olam Va'ed' (Ben Ish Chai, Year 1, Parashat Va'era, Note 6).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
