[Avodah] Rav Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg: Davening in English?

[Prof. Levine]

 From http://revach.net/article.php?id=2324

In 1954 a Rov in New York sent a question to Rav Yechiel Yaakov 
Weinberg the Baal Sridei Eish in Montreaux, Switzerland.  He wanted 
to know if it was permissible to allow saying the "Mizmorim" from 
davening in English as a congregation.

The Sridei Eish (OC 9) answered that the question is a very sensitive 
one.  Min HaDin there is no issur since L'Halacha, Tefila can be said 
in any language.  Even according to the opinions that a Yochid must 
use Lashon Kodesh when davening alone, the Mishna Brura (101:18) says 
that for women it is permissible to use other languages. Nevertheless 
he says, this act will cause an uproar among the "frummer" and they 
will slander the Shul.  Why he asks, should you cause great pain to 
the pure and innocent people to whom any change in religious practice 
causes so much grief.

In addition he says, the Mishna Brura (OC 101:13) says that Chasam 
Sofer holds that davening in any language besides Lashon HaKodesh in 
only permitted on occasion and not on a regular basis.

Lastly he said since the "Shul" is the last remaining bastion of 
Yiddishkeit it is imperative to make sure that Lashon Kodesh is the 
language of use there.  Its impact on the Kedushas HaTefila and of 
the Bais HaKnesses is dramatic.  Moreover, our religion is deeply 
rooted in Mesora and the tradition of forefathers and any change this 
drastic, is not good.

In summation he says that while women can look at the English 
translation while davening, he strongly recommends not to implement 
any change in the way we daven and to steadfastly make sure that all 
Tefilos are conducted in Lashon Kodesh, our Holy language that is 
soaked with the blood of our hearts and tears of our eyes.
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