Q. My hebrew is unfortunately at a beginning level so when I daven I usually pray in english to keep up with most congregations. Where can I find a Shacharis minyan that davens at a slow pace so that one can pray with kavanah and a sense of unhurried concentration, especially when I have to say kaddish. I usually end up mumbling through and feeling very unfulfilled. At least if a minyan exists that purposely slows down for kaddish and makes allowances for someone like me. I would be grateful for any direction. Thank you
A. You should try davening at a Kiruv institute, Yeshiva or Kolel minyan, preferably a small one that is close to you. They are far slower than regular minyanim. You can find a list of them, their times of prayer and location in Frum Toronto under Davening Schedule. You should speak to the Rabbi in charge, to provide someone to help you along. You should also use a sidur with an English translation, and gradually, day-by-day and sentence-by-sentence, increase your use of the Hebrew.
You may also ask that Rabbi about available classes and shiurim pertaining to Tefilah topics.
Many have followed this path and are now very successful and fulfilled mispalelim.
Hatzlachah.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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