Direction Of Prayer

Halacha Moment
Jul 7
2 min read

The Daily Halacha Moment - Direction Of Prayer

״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:

What direction does one pray in?

Answer:

If one is outside of Eretz Yisrael, they should face toward Eretz Yisrael, and in their heart have intent to direct their prayer toward Yerushalayim, the Beit HaMikdash, and the Kodesh HaKodashim, meaning, one should envision themselves standing in the Holy of Holies in the Beit HaMikdash in Yerushalayim [1]. If one is in Eretz Yisrael, they should face Yerushalayim, and likewise have intent to direct their prayer toward the Beit HaMikdash and the Kodesh HaKodashim, picturing themselves as if standing in that most sacred space [2]. If one is in Yerushalayim, they should face the location of the Beit HaMikdash and also have intent to face the Kodesh HaKodashim, envisioning themselves praying from within that holiest place [3]. If a person does not know which direction to face, they should direct their heart and intent toward Hashem. The same applies to a blind person who cannot determine direction, what matters most is their sincere intent to pray to Hashem [4].

Sources:

[1]. The Gemara Berachot 30a quotes a Briattta which learns from a passuk in Melachim (Aleph 8:48) that a person outside Israel should pray towards Israel. The Rif 20a, Rosh, Berachot 4:19, and Rambam, Tefillah 5:3 rule like this Briatta in the Gemara.

[2]. Gemara Berachot 30a; Tur and Shulchan Aruch 94:1.

[3]. Gemara Berachot 30a; Tur and Shulchan Aruch 94:1.

[4]. The Gemara (Berachot 30a) teaches that if a person, whether sighted or blind cannot determine the direction to pray, they should simply direct their heart to Hashem. This is the ruling of the Rif (20a), Rosh (Berachot 4:19), Rambam (Tefillah 5:3), and Tur (94:3). The Shulchan Aruch (94:3) follows this halacha but mentions only someone unsure of the direction, omitting specific reference to the blind. However, Halacha Berurah (94:1) and Aruch HaShulchan (94:1) include both cases—those unsure of direction and blind individuals. The Biur Halacha (94:3 s.v. Mi She’eino) adds that it’s preferable to face one direction with the body and another with the face, to increase the chance of facing toward Eretz Yisrael.