עברית
Prayer and Blessings
Is It Permissible to Pray in Shorts?
Question
Is it permissible to pray while wearing flip flops and shorts? I understand the answer because I wouldn't appear before an important person dressed this way, but does this mean I must always dress in long pants, socks, shoes, and a respectable shirt? After all, we say the Shema on the bed dressed in sleepwear. We live in a very hot country and it is common among the general public to be at home in shorts and flip flops.
Thank you, esteemed Rabbi
Answer
Greetings,
Indeed, if you would not present yourself before an important person in shorts and without socks and shoes, you should not pray Amidah in such attire, as you are standing before Hashem. However, you are permitted to recite the Shema while lying in bed dressed in shorts and without socks and shoes, since that does not fall under the definition of prayer before Hashem.
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
