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.

Tefillin
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Av 24, 5774

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

Hebrew pronunciation
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 15 Tevet 5763



