Covering eyes at beginning of krias shema
- Litvak
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26 Sep 2008 04:19 #631
by Litvak
Covering eyes at beginning of krias shema was created by Litvak
I have heard that there is no real obligation or source to cover one's face/eyes with hand (some also close their eyes at the same time? If so, why the need to cover them?) when saying the first posuk of Shema Yisroel.....
If so, what is the stance of minhag Ashkenaz toward the practice ?
Is it recommended not to do it ? Is it just optional ? What do most do ?
Litvak
If so, what is the stance of minhag Ashkenaz toward the practice ?
Is it recommended not to do it ? Is it just optional ? What do most do ?
Litvak
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- Michael
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29 Sep 2008 02:11 #634
by Michael
Replied by Michael on topic Covering eyes at beginning of krias shema
It is not a very ancient minhag. The minhag is first brought in the Tur (siman סא) as a minhag some people do. The Tur says that those who have this minhag bring a source to it from the Gemoro that says that Rabi would say shma when he put his hands on his eyes. The reason for this, as the Tur says, is in order that one won't look at something else and lose his Kavono.
Later we find that the Maharil had this minhag of covering the eyes at Krias Shma.
Michael FRBSH
Later we find that the Maharil had this minhag of covering the eyes at Krias Shma.
Michael FRBSH
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