This Rosh Hashanah should we pray in Hebrew or read the English translations?

Jewish law is clear that prayer and the Shema in particular should be recited in any language that is understood, not necessarily in Hebrew.  What has always been more important is understanding the intention of the prayers.   Regarding God, one must presume that if God is ubiquitous, he is therefore multi-lingual and can understand our prayers in any language. 

Regardless of these two realities, our rabbinic authorities throughout the ages insist on the use of Hebrew, and our schools strive for literacy in reading and comprehension.  The Rabbis understood, like Jewish leadership of today that Hebrew language is needed for the unity and cohesiveness of our people and the authenticity of Torah.  In other words, Hebrew language has a national element and a Torah element and its use in prayer has significant importance.                                       

Hebrew is used as a connection to Israel and its People.  Hebrew is the language of Israel our national homeland.  Prayer in Hebrew has been a bond of Jews from around the world, throughout time and memorial.  By having prayer in Hebrew, the people’s historical language, the peoples hope for a return to the national homeland was kept alive.  It unified people from around the world by giving them the ability to communicate with each other, in often the most sacred and personal aspects of their lives.  Today, with Hebrew as a spoken language in our national homeland, Hebrew stands as a bridge connecting diaspora Jewry with our homeland, our people and our culture.  Prayer in Hebrew serves as a tool to grasp the fundamentals of the Hebrew language. 

Beyond a connection to Israel, Hebrew is the key to unlocking the wisdom from our tradition and as the purist way to worship.  Not so that God can understand our words, but so that we can better understand Gods.   Hebrew is the language of the People of Israel and the Torah of Israel.  Jewish genius is best expressed and appreciated in its original language, Hebrew.  In Torah study and in public worship, Hebrew language remains the indispensable agent to share the cherished ideas and ideals of Judaism.    Hebrew was the language of God to His prophets and the service of the heart for the Jewish people to the Divine. 

The rabbis understood that one of the best ways to learn Hebrew is through prayer.  Because of the repetition on a daily basis, it would be an easy vehicle to reinforce Hebrew literacy.  Understanding Hebrew prayer can be a gateway to learning the mechanics of Hebrew language and a treasury of Hebrew vocabulary and expression.   The use of prayer in Hebrew was for the use of Hebrew itself, of guarding and fostering the Hebrew language, preserving the integrity and purity of the People and Torah.  In addition, it caused people to study Hebrew extensively and intensely in order to understand prayer.    

Jewish law requires “Kavana” intention, and therefore if you don’t know what you are saying, you are not accomplishing the goal of prayer.  So understanding the meanings of our prayers we are able to direct our thoughts in the proper direction.  However, each of us should endeavor this year to learn the Hebrew of prayer and its study should be considered important as it is more than something that a Jews uses to express themselves “Jewishly” or religiously.  Hebrew language strengthens Jewish unity, Jewish identity and the Jewish legacy and destiny.  It unifies us with Jews from around the world, Jewish culture and expression, and keeps alive our hope for our ultimate national redemption.  

Rabbi Baruch Plotkin, MJEd. 

Rabbi in Residence, Donna Klein Jewish Academy