Wenn er auf einem Esel reitet, steigt er ab (um zu beten). [Die Halacha stimmt nicht mit dieser anonymen Mischna überein; aber ob er jemanden hatte, der seinen Arsch hielt oder nicht, er steigt nicht ab, denn sein Verstand ist nicht festgelegt (genug für das Gebet), wenn er absteigen muss.] Und wenn er nicht absteigen kann, dreht er sein Gesicht [in Richtung Jerusalem, wie es ist geschrieben (1. Könige 8:48): "Und sie werden zu dir in Richtung ihres Landes beten."] Und wenn er sein Gesicht nicht wenden kann, richtet er seine Gedanken auf das Allerheiligste [es wird geschrieben (Chronik 6:26): "Und sie werden zu diesem Ort beten."]
Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
היה רוכב על החמור ירד – The Halakha does not follow the [opinion of this] anonymous Mishnah but rather whether or not he has someone who can hold his donkey or not, he should not descend [from it] because his mind is not at ease when he descends [from it].
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
Introduction This mishnah deals with a person who is traveling on a donkey when it comes time to recite the Shmoneh Esrei. As an aside, it is in this mishnah that we learn that while praying one should face Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. This is connected to I Kings 8:44, “When Your people take the field against their enemy by whatever way You send them, and they pray to the Lord in the direction of the city which You have chosen and of the House which I have built to Your name.”
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Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
יחזיר את פניו – [He should turn his face] towards Jerusalem, as it says (I Kings 8:48), “and they pray to You in the direction of their land…”
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
If he is riding on a donkey, he gets down [and prays.] It is preferable, if possible, to pray while standing still. Therefore, he should get off the donkey before praying.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Berakhot
יכוין את בלו כנגד בית קדשי הקדשים – as it states (I Kings 8:35), “and then they pray towards this place…”
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English Explanation of Mishnah Berakhot
If he is unable to get down he should turn his face [towards Jerusalem], and if he cannot turn his face, he should direct his heart to the Holy of Holies. If he cannot, he should at least try to face Jerusalem. If he can’t even do this, he should at least direct his heart towards Jerusalem and to the Holy of Holies, the most important part of the Temple.
