Swift Davenning

Q: Why does congregational prayer often gallop at speeds we cannot keep up with?

A: The great Jewish minds of the past taught us that a person should pray as carefully as if he were counting pearls.

For most people it is difficult to keep the mind from wandering while praying, especially when the service “gallops.”  Our masters teach us to proceed at a slower pace.  It is better to say fewer prayers with higher devotion than more prayers with a mind fixed on getting the service over and done.

Unveilings on Rosh Hodesh

Q: I have heard that some people will not do an unveiling on Rosh Hodesh. Is this true?  And if so, why?

A: Rosh Hodesh, the New Moon, is treated as a minor festival.  We add psalms of Hallel to our prayers.  Eulogies are not usually given and fasting is forbidden.  While not a full-fledged holiday there are historical indications that at one time it may have been a major celebration.

In Jewish tradition sad events yield to communal rejoicing.  Hence, Shabbat superseded shivah, no burials take place on Yom Tov and one may not self-impose a fast on Rosh Hodesh.

Some individual rabbis discourage unveilings on a Rosh Hodesh for these reasons but it is not forbidden by Jewish law, halacha.