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.

Nusach of the Ari Zal
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 19 Shevat 5764

Follow-Up Questions
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 15, 5774

Tefillin
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 24, 5774



