Friday, November 14, 2008

Rushing Through

The Tehillim of Pesukei D'Zimra should not be recited hurriedly, but with composure, word by word, so that one will be able to focus his attention on them as is befitting. Those who recite them hurriedly when there is a minyan present are not acting properly. They are abbreviating the praise of Hashem in order to ask that their needs be satisfied. Is there a ruler who would find this acceptable? The same applies to worshippers who concentrate during the blessings that include supplications and requests for physical needs, but not during the blessings that express praise and thanksgiving to Hashem.

(Shulchan Aruch HaRav 51:13)