May I Eat before I Daven?

Since the Gemara notes that a source in this week’s parsha teaches that Yaakov introduced the Maariv prayers…

Taking Over as Chazan after Yishtabach

I was supposed to take over as chazan at Yishtabach, but I absentmindedly said Yishtabach quietly as the previous chazan was finishing Az Yashir. I quickly asked him to say Yishtabach and Chatzi Kaddish, after which I took over. Was this appropriate?

Do Clothes Make the Man?

Drinking during Davening

I showed my surprise to a serious young man who was drinking coffee during Shacharit. He said it helps him daven and is permitted. Can that be correct?

Greeting before Davening

The Mishna Berura rules that one may not go over to his friend’s place in shul before davening. As the shul’s rabbi, is there a heter for me to go over to a new congregant to make him feel welcome and comfortable with our tefilla?

Washing One’s Hands in the Morning

Chapter eight-part one