...Continued from previous week
1) In extreme situations (sh'as hadchak) when covering up adequately is impossible, as long as the makom ha’ervah (areas of nakedness) is covered one may recite krias shema and other brachos and tefilos.
The exception to this is Shemona Esrei which may not be recited in any state of undress, even if by not doing so you will miss the z'man Tefilah (the proper time to say Shemona Esrei), as by Shemona Esrei one is standing in front of the King, and is thus more stringent. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 74:6 and Mishna Berura S”K 21-24. See also Levush Siman 74:6. See also Ma'amar Mordechai Siman 91:1 and Shu”t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah vol. 3 Siman 68:4.)
2) However, if one transgressed the above Halacha and davened Shemona Esrei while in a state of undress, as long as the makom haervah was covered he/she has satisfied their obligation, and there is no requirement to repeat the Shemona Esrei. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 91:1)
3) It is proper to wear an outer garment (jacket or robe) while davening Shemona Esrei. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 91:6. Many poskim, including Rav Chaim Kanievsky Zatzal maintain that that the outer garment should be worn for the other parts of davening as well, not just Shemona Esrei; as quoted in Ishei Yisroel Perek 10 footnote 11. See also Kaf Hachaim Siman 91:26)
4) Even by Shacharis when married men (and in many communities, single boys as well) wear a tallis, a jacket should still preferably be worn. (See Kaf Hachaim ibid.)
5) It is not proper to daven while wearing pajamas.
One who must daven while wearing pajamas (e.g. If one is ill at home and doesn't plan to get dressed that day, or if one is in the hospital R”L) should ideally put on a jacket, or at least a robe on top of his pajamas for davening if possible. (See Mishna Berura Siman 91 S”K 11 and 12. If not possible, an ill person can be lenient, l'chatchilah. See Shu”t Yaskil Avdi vol. 8, hashmatos, Siman 2)
6) As well, one should ideally not daven while wearing a yarmulka that is designated for sleeping (shluf kappel). (Mishna Berura ibid.)
7) One should l'chatchilah not daven while barefoot. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 91:5)
If nothing is available with which to cover the feet, or if they must be uncovered for medical or other valid reasons, it is acceptable to daven that way. (See Rambam Hilchos Tefilah Perek 5:1 and 5 and Shu”t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah vol. 3 Siman 68:4.)
8) If one is wearing a long robe that fully covers the bare feet, it is acceptable. (See Mishna Berura Siman 91 S”K 13).
Likewise, if one lives in a hot climate where it is common to stand barefoot even in the presence of dignitaries, he may daven that way, even if the feet will be visible. (Mishna Berura ibid.)
9) It is permissible to daven while wearing a winter coat or rain coat. (See Aruch HaShulchan Siman 91:6 where he gives the general rule that any clothing one would wear outside in public is acceptable for davening. See also Halichos Shlomo; Tefilah, Perek 2:18)
10) Gloves should not be worn during davening, and surely not while davening Shemona Esrei, as doing so is a sign of haughtiness. (See Mishna Berura Siman 91 S”K 12)
In extremely cold climates, or during the winter in the event that the heat isn't working properly, where it is evident that they are being worn to protect from the cold, there is room for leniency. (See Halichos Shlomo ibid. See also Shu”t Be'er Moshe vol. 4 Siman 39 and Shu”t Neta Sorek Orach Chaim Siman 6)
...To be continued next week B’Ezras Hashem
