Bowing In Shemonah Esrei
- Halacha Moment
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
The Daily Halacha Moment - Bowing In Shemonah Esrei
״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן
העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)
“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)
Question:
When does one bow during Shemonah Esrei?
How does one bow?
Answer:
There are four points in Shemonah Esrei where one is required to bow: at the beginning and end of the Beracha of Avot, and at the beginning and end of the Beracha of Hoda’ah [1]. When bowing, one must do so until all the vertebrae of the spine are visibly bent [2]. It is not enough to bend just the body while keeping the head upright; rather, one should bow the head as well, like a reed bending in the wind [3]. However, one should not bow excessively to the extent that the mouth reaches the level of one’s belt [4]. If someone is elderly or unwell and unable to bow fully, it is sufficient for him to lower just his head, as it is clear that he wishes to bow but is hindered by discomfort or pain [5]. The proper manner of bowing is to bow swiftly in one movement, but when straightening up, one should rise slowly—first lifting the head, then the body—so it doesn’t appear burdensome or as though one is eager to finish [6].
Sources:
[1]. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 18:11
[2]. In Gemara Berachot 28b, Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi says that one should bow to the point that the vertebrae in one’s spine protrude and are visible (according to Rashi s.v. SheYitpokeku). This is brought as halacha by the Rif (Berachot 24a), Rosh (Berachot 5:22), Rambam (Tefillah 5:12), Tur 113:4, and S”A 113:4.
[3]. Shulchan Aruch 113:4, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 18:11.
[4]. Bet Yosef 113:5 quotes the Hagahot Ashurei, Tosfot, Smag, Smak, and Hagahot Maimoniot that one shouldn’t bow too far that one’s mouth is at the same level as one’s belt. This is codified in the Tur and Shulchan Aruch 113:5. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 18:11 concurs. Mishna Berurah 113:11 points out that it looks like yuhara (arrogance) if you do.
[5]. In Gemara Berachot 28b, Rabbi Chanina says that it’s sufficient to bow one’s head for the bowings in Shemonah Esrei. Rava limits this to someone who is in pain and would like to bow but is unable to (according to Rashi s.v. DeMissar). This is brought as halacha by the Rif (Brachot 24a), Rosh (Brachot 5:22), Rambam (Tefillah 5:12), Tur 113:4, and Shulchan Aruch 113:5. Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 18:11 concurs.
[6]. Tur and Bet Yosef 113:5 quoting the Rav Hai Goan, codified in Shulchan Aruch 113:6.
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