Davening Shemoneh Esrei on an Airplane

Since standing on a plane invariably leads to jostling, being asked to move or fasten your seatbelt etc., should one sit while praying to ensure better concentration, or stand with less concentration?

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, zt”l ruled that if one will be distracted it is better to sit; however, during the places in the Shemoneh Esrei where one must bow, one should try to stand (Igros Moshe Orach Chaim IV:20). One who sat for the recitation of the Shemoneh Esrei does not need to repeat it upon landing (Igros Moshe ibid.).

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt”l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.