5 replies to this topic

[jewishthought]

does it count if you Daven without knowing the words your saying?

[Bas-Levi]

does it count if you Daven without knowing the words your saying?

As far as I know, one is required to understand the meaning of the words of the first bracha of shmoneh esreh in order to be yotzei tefillah.

[danceInTheRain]

i went through a time where i had no patience for davening. it felt like it was just a daily ritual and could not put in the kavana into the same words every day.
so i asked one of the rabbis in my school. i told him i feel like it would be much more real if i would just pray in my own words whenever i felt like it.
his answer is something i remember all the time.
he said that since these are words chosen by anshei kneses haagdola they have great powers EVEN IF YOU JUST SAY THEM WITHOUT ANY KAVANA!
of course they have much greater meaning and power if you do have kavana.
so i assume the same stands for praying without understanding.
but of course working towards understanding the words is great - it makes davening so much more real for YOU!
but even if you dont, hashem is still sitting there listening to you. and he understands...

[jewishthought]

but whats the point of praying if you dont know what your saying?

[taon]

It shows you care enough to at least read the words and try, and produces some connection.

[jewishthought]

what if you dont want to but you have to?