Ask the Rabbi
- Halacha
- How to Pray?
- Customs of Pronunciation and Wording
Question
I am not fluent in Hebrew. I struggle to phonetically pronounce words, and I’m very slowly getting familiar with some of the prayers. During this ongoing process, is it better that I struggle with a prayer in Hebrew and likely not understand its meaning, or is it acceptable to read it in English? At least in English I’ll understand it, and it will have more meaning.
Answer
It's better to struggle in Hebrew, practice makes perfect.

Temani Pronunciation with Different Gimel (Jimel)
Rabbi David Sperling | Shevat 24, 5778

Change of Nusach to Sefard from Ashkenaz
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Sivan 1, 5769

Variations within the same Nusach
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar II 27, 5779















