Q&A: Is the Rabbi against the wording of the prayers? (And another unrelated question)
Is the Rabbi against the wording of the prayers? (And another unrelated question)
Question
Hello Rabbi. I understood that your view on the issue of praying alone is that, strictly speaking, it is permitted. So I wanted to ask: if that is the case, why does the wording of the confession in Sephardic prayer books on Yom Kippur include a confession for the fact that we prayed alone? Is the Rabbi saying that one should skip it?
And another general question… I didn’t understand when it is permitted to say “Elokim” with a hei and when to spell it indirectly… and also the name Adonut. I understood that this applies not only when reciting verses, because in Lecha Dodi for example the name of God is written.
Thank you and have a good week.
Answer
I’m not familiar with this in the confession. In any case, the wording of the confession is not binding wording. Say what you identify with. This whole formulation seems to me rather idiotic, with these meaningless alphabet games.
Discussion on Answer
Also, the “For the sin” I wrote actually doesn’t appear there… never mind, but I got the message
I’m not familiar with this wording.
It’s possible to write it with a hei. If there is a vav there, that’s because it isn’t the actual divine name, but even without a vav it can be written as long as it will not come to disrespect. I would avoid writing the name in any case. In speech, there is no problem saying “Elohim” and the name Adonut in the context of a verse or song directed to the Holy One, blessed be He. If you are speaking about Him, you can use His name. There are those who say that this is how one should do it, and not only that it is permitted.
What is the source that it is permitted, or that one should?
You don’t need a source for what is permitted. The one who forbids has to bring a source. The claim that one should also is not based on sources, but on reasoning. I don’t think so.
It says there in the prayer book: “For the sin that we have sinned before You… by praying alone.”
If that’s not called confession, then forgive me.
And regarding the second question, about when to write “Elokim” and when with a hei, I’d be happy to get an answer. Thanks!