286. Davening in a Dangerous Area

Tefillah u’Birkas Kohanim 4:18

One should not daven in a state of silliness or irreverence, nor engaged in conversation, argument or anger. He should do so while engaged in words of Torah, but not in the middle of a judgment or a halachic matter. Even though these are words of Torah, his mind could become distracted because of the halacha being discussed. One should daven when engaged in words of Torah that do not require such intense concentration, such as matters that have already been settled.

Tefillah u’Birkas Kohanim 4:19

Some prayers are not recited too frequently, such as the musaf for Rosh Chodesh or the yom tov Amidah. Before reciting these, one should review them in order to avoid making any mistakes. If a person is walking in a dangerous place, such as one occupied by wild animals or robbers, then when the time to daven arrives, he should recite just one bracha. It says, “The needs of Your people Israel, are many and their knowledge is limited. May it be Your will, Hashem, our God, that You provide each of them with a sufficient livelihood, give each of them everything that he requires, and do that which is good in Your eyes. Blessed are You, Hashem, the One Who hears prayer.” A person may recite this prayer while walking on the road, though it is preferable to stop to recite it if possible. When he reaches a town and his mind has settled, he should recite a normal Shemoneh Esrei.