- Halacha
- General Questions
Reciting Ma tovu ohalecha Yaakov
Question
Dear Rabbi,
On entering shul one should recite the pasuk,. “Ma tovu ohalecha Yaakov Mishk’notecha Yisraeil”.
I was wondering when this should be said?
For example if one is davening in the beis medrash, should it be said when entering the main shul building or the beis medrash?
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom,
To make the answer simple, following the Mishna Brura (in his introduction to Siman 46) and the Aruch Hashulchan 46:15, and many popular siddurim such as Artscroll, Koren, Rinat Yisrael and others , upon entering the Bet Knesset you should recite "Ma Tovu.."
The “Ma tovu.." should be said upon entering the hall where you plan to daven , in your case the Bet Midrash, not upon entering the building which contains the Shul.
For further reference , I suggest you look at the book, Piskei Teshuvot on the Shulchan Aruch 46. Since there are those who refrain from saying the pasuk "ma Tovu" and only start from the words "Vani Brov Chasdecha…".Furthermore, some are of the opinion that you say "Vani Brov Chasdecha…" outside before entering the Shul and a different pasuk is said after entry.
All the best
Shanna Tova

Can I correct a bracha?
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 27, 5775

spitting during the Aleinu prayer
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | Tishrei 7, 5769

Slow davener
Various Rabbis | 27 Adar II 5763

Minimum Shacharis
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar 25, 5781

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

Swimming together with siblings
Av 29, 5769

Erev rav
Av 29, 5769

Friday Night
Av 26, 5769

Ma’ariv Times
Elul 11, 5769

shaving with a razor blade
Rabbi David Sperling | Elul 6, 5773

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

cutting nails during omer
Rabbi David Sperling | Nisan 29, 5773
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Trimming the beard
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782
Is the Ketubah valid
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Iyyar 12, 5782

Necktie for Jews
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 11, 5782
