Synagogue Guidelines for a Quiet Davening

Rabbi Michael Taubes

General Guidelines

In general, one should avoid all but necessary talking in Shul. The Gemara in Megillah (28a-28b) lists numerous activites which may not be done in a Shul, including behaving in a light-headed manner and spending purposeless time there. The Rambam (Hilchos Tefillah, Perek 11 Halacha 6) and the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim Siman 151 Sif 1) explain that included in this prohibition is behaving with inappropriate jocularity and foolishness, as well as engaging in idle conversation. The Sefer Chareidim (19:9) notes that this prohibition is in force even not during davening time; he concludes by quoting that one should learn in this regard from the behavior of non-Jews who stay completely silent when in their houses of worship. The Mishnah Berurah (ibid. Sif Katan 2) goes on at length about the severity of the sin of talking in Shul, considering it an act of belittling the honor of Hashem by sinning in His Holy place and noting that it will likely cause other people to talk and lead to Lashon Hora and arguments and the like. He thus concludes that one should speak only words of Torah and Tefillah in a Shul. He develops this even further in his Sefer Chofetz Chaim (introduction, Mitzvot Asin 7, and note there); elsewhere in the Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim Siman 98, Sif Katan 3), he quotes that it is terrible for a parent to allow his child to talk about nonsense and stupid things in Shul. It is worth noting that the Ramo (ibid. Sif 1) rules that one should not kiss one's children in Shul, in order to emphasize that there is no love like the love of Hashem.

The Kaf HaChaim (ibid. Siman 151:8) likewise describes the severity of the sin of talking in Shul and says that one who talks inappropriately in Shul would be better off not coming at all. He also criticizes even people who learn Torah and discuss it publicly during davening; he concludes that one must be even more diligent about all of this on Shabbos. The Chayei Adam (Klal 127 Sif 6) writes that the Mitzvah to revere a Shul is MideOraisa and quotes that one who talks in Shul is as though he denies Hashem. The Magen Avraham (ibid. Sif Katan 3) notes that the Ari Zal was very careful to say only words of Tefillah in Shul, avoiding even discussions of Mussar and Teshuvah, lest he be led by them to improper topics. The Mishnah Berurah ( ibid. Siman 124 Sif Katan 28) indicates that one should educate and train one's children by encouraging them to display the proper feelings in awe in Shul, and adds that it would be better if children who run back and forth and play in Shul would not be brought there at all because they will grow up having bad habits in Shul and because they disturb other people. The Ramo (ibid. Sif 7) writes that one should train his young children to answer Amen; of couse, the best way one can properly teach one's children is by setting a positive example for them.

One should thus answer Amen to all Berachos and respond to Borechu, Kedushah and Kaddish, provided one is at a point in the davening where one may do so. Davening out loud in a "leibedik" manner to encourage proper Kavanah is certainly permissible, although one should be careful not to disturb those around him. Finally, although it is not recommended, if one must talk, one should leave the sanctuary in order to do so.

Order of Davening Guidelines Sources
Before Baruch She'amar One may greet a fellow Mispallel in a manner which does not disturb others See Sources above
During Pesukei D'zimrah One should not interrupt with conversation, even for the purpose of a Devar Mitzvah with certain exceptions). One can acknowledge a greeting by nodding but should not greet or respond to a greeting verbally. Orach Chaim 51:4-5; Mishnah Brurah SK 10-12
During Kerias Shema and its Berachos One should not interrupt with any conversation at all. Mishnah Berurah ibid. Siman 66 Sif Katan 2
During Shemoneh Esrei One should not interrupt in any way, even by making signals Shulchan Aruch Siman 104 Sif 1; Mishnah Berurah Sif Katan 1
After Completion of Shmoneh Esrei If one has completed his personal Shemoneh Esrei and is waiting for the Chazzan to begin his repetition, one should stay in one's place quietly since it is improper to do anything which disturbs the Kavanah of people who are still davening. One may review the davening just completed or learn Torah privately without speakingMisnah Berurah ibid. Siman 123 Sif Katan 12
During Chazzan's Repetition One should listen to every word of the Chazzoras HaShatz with the proper Kavanah. One should not learn or recite other prayers. Shulchan Aruch Siman 124 Sif 4; Mishnah Berurah Sif Katan 17
During Removal and Return of the Torah One should stand, if possible, whenever the Sefer Torah is out of the Aron, and greet the Torah with proper respect. Shulchan Aruch Yoreh De'ah Siman 282 Sif 2
During Torah Reading Once the Ba'al Korei has begun reading the Torah, it is prohibited to engage in conversation. This includes a Torah discussion. Between the Aliyos, there are those who allow a Torah discussion. One should listen to the Gabbai's recitation of a Mi Shebeirach and answer Amen Shulchan Aruch Siman 146 Sif 2; Mishnah Berurah Sif Katan 6
During Haftorah Reading It is preferable for each member of the Tzibbur to read along with the Ba'al Maftir in a quiet voice. It is improper to speak during the recitation of the Haftorah, including the Berachos, except when answering Amen Shulchan Aruch ibid. Siman 146 Sif 3; Mishnah Berurah Sif Katan 16
During Mussaf The laws of the Shemoneh Esrei and Chazzoras HaShatz are the same as for Shacharis. After the Kaddish which follows the Chazzoras HaShatz, one may greet a fellow Mispallel in a manner which does not disturb others.

It is improper to speak during the recitatin of any Kaddish

 Mishnah Berurah ibid. Siman 56 Sif Katan 1



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