Shuckling... Hitler, and Bill Gates?

17 days ago
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Shuckling
Shuckling (also written as shokeling), from the Yiddish word meaning "to shake",[1] is the ritual swaying[2] of worshipers during Jewish prayer, usually forward and back but also from side to side.
History

This practice can be traced back to at least the 8th century, and possibly as far back as Talmudic times. It was said of Rabbi Akiva that when he prayed by himself he would start in one corner and end up in another, because of all his kneeling and bowing;[3] this link was noted by Maharil (14th century). The practice was mentioned by Yehuda Halevi in the 12th century.[4] By the 13th century, Jews in Europe were “known for their shokeling during prayer.”[5] However, the practice was opposed by some Halakhic authorities, especially during the recitation of the Amidah,[2] as well as by 19th-century Jewish religious reformers.[5] Jiří Langer gives a description of shokeling among Belz Chassidim in early 20th century Europe.[6]

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