Overview of Mitzvah Timing and Davening Practices

These flashcards cover key concepts, rules, and practices related to mitzvah timing and davening.

What marks the start of the mitzvah of Shema?

The mitzvah of Shema begins at Hanetz Hachamah, when the sun first shines on the mountaintops.

What is Amud Hashachar?

Amud Hashachar marks the first illumination of the eastern sky, allowing for early davening, but only b'dieved (after the fact).

What is the time limit for davening Shacharis?

The time for davening Shacharis extends until the end of the fourth hour.

What happens if one davened after the fourth hour?

If one davened after the fourth hour until midday, they fulfill the mitzvah but do not receive the reward for timely davening.

What is crucial to fulfill the mitzvah of Shemone Esrei properly?

It is crucial to finish Shemone Esrei before the end of the fourth hour.

What is prohibited before davening?

Engaging in greetings or personal needs, especially using the term 'Shalom', is prohibited before davening.

Can one eat or drink before davening?

One should not eat or drink before davening, except for water or for medicinal needs.

Is drinking tea or coffee allowed before davening?

Drinking tea or coffee without sugar is allowed before davening.

What guideline does the Shulchan Aruch provide regarding eating before davening?

One who began eating before Alos Hashachar must stop, though some opinions allow continuation.

What should one do if they are forced to eat before davening?

They should ideally pause for Shema and then continue with Shemone Esrei after eating.

What is emphasized about greetings before davening?

One must not initiate greetings with 'Shalom' before davening, but responding is permitted.

In which circumstance is it acceptable to drink water before davening?

It is acceptable to drink water before davening, but not sugary drinks unless for medicinal purposes.

When does the obligation to recite Kiddush begin?

The obligation to recite Kiddush begins after davening.

What should a person do if they arrive late to davening?

If one arrives late, friends are obliged to wait for them to prevent distraction.

What is the significance of davening with a minyan?

Davening with a minyan, which is for ten adults to daven together, is a primary component of tefila b'tzibbur.

What behavior is considered inappropriate in the Bais Haknesses?

It is considered disparaging to daven ahead of the tzibbur unless necessary due to time constraints.

What is highlighted regarding communal prayer timing?

The halacha emphasizes arriving early to be counted among the first ten for communal prayers.