Q&A: Pronunciation in Prayer
Pronunciation in Prayer
Question
Hello Rabbi Michi,
Does the Rabbi see importance in the manner of pronunciation in prayer and in Torah reading—for example, Ashkenazic pronunciation or Yemenite pronunciation? Rabbi Kook, for example, writes that it is a more precise pronunciation.
Or should one speak with the Holy One, blessed be He, the way one speaks with a friend, in Israeli pronunciation? In the Rabbi's opinion, is there perhaps room to distinguish between pronunciation in prayer and pronunciation in Torah reading?
Answer
I think it is possible, and proper, to speak in Israeli Hebrew.
Discussion on Answer
Indeed. There is a difference between saying what is proper to do and the question of whether annulment of vows is required (though even that is open to discussion).
Could the Rabbi perhaps explain his statement that it is possible and proper to speak in Israeli Hebrew, even though Yemenite pronunciation is seemingly more precise?
Because in my view, pronunciation does not really have a right and wrong. One should pronounce according to the accepted practice.
I also do not know to what extent one can determine that Yemenite pronunciation is more precise (that is, closer to the original).
I remember that once I asked you, and you told me that if I had been accustomed since childhood to pray in Ashkenazic pronunciation, I would need annulment of vows. Assuming Noam has prayed that way all his life, would he need it too?