Halacha: Holding Things While Praying
BY RABBI RAFAEL ZAIDENBERG
The Gemara states that one should not hold Tefillin or a Sefer Torah while praying Amidah.
Shmuel adds a knife, money, a bowl, or a loaf of bread are also forbidden as the above examples.
The reason for this is one's concentration will be disturbed by holding these objects, as one must take care that they do not fall.
In fact, this is how the Shulchan Aruch brings as Halacha.
The Pri Megadim adds that this Halacha should be practiced during Pesukei d'Zimra and Birkot Kriat Shema as well, as one needs to fully concentrate then as well.
The Birkei Yosef (4) says one may not have a child near them that will make noise or need tending to, as this will interrupt the necessitated concentration.
It goes without saying that one may not hold a child during prayers, as you are careful not to drop them.
Same Halacha would apply regarding cell phones, cameras, or the like. One may not hold them while praying as one is careful to not let them drop.
A cell phone that one is using to pray with may be held, just as a Siddur (5) is allowed.
It must be on a mode that one will not have any interferences from incoming calls, texts, or notifications etc.
If one did, bedi'eved, hold something during the prayers, you do not have to repeat the Tefillah.
Sources:
- Berachot 23b
- O"C 96:1
- Quoted by the Mishna Berurah 96:1:1
- Quoted by the Mishna Berurah 96:1:4
- Shulchan Aruch 96:2
