Hello,
- Are we allowed to say brachot (Asher Yatzar, Birkot Hashachar, food blessings) by walking or doing something else?
For example, you wake up, wash hands, and when making the bed or other morning activities saying the Birkot Hashachar. Or going to the bathroom and say Asher Yatzar in the process of going to your desk to work (maybe you started saying it walking and then finish the blessing sitted).
I’ve seen Hasidim in my community walking while saying Psalms or the Blessings before the actual Amidah. As far as I understand the only issue may be Birkat Hamazon and even bedieved you can say it if walking.
- The other question is if now that we have so much antisemitism and wearing a Kippah is dangerous we can say brachot in the street without covering our head. I read the sources and the Rambam is very clear that even when is not the best practice the blessing is still valid.
Yes. In general, blessings may be recited while walking, getting dressed, making the bed, or doing other activities. The main requirement is that a person pause long enough to have some basic kavana, meaning that he understands the words he is saying and is aware that he is reciting a blessing before God.
The same is true for Keriat Shema. A person may recite Shema while walking or engaged in other activities. The primary exception is the first verse, “Shema Yisrael,” which should be said with greater concentration and attention.
Therefore, if someone washes his hands in the morning and recites Birkot Hashachar while getting ready for the day, or says Asher Yatzar while walking back from the bathroom to his desk, there is generally no problem.
Regarding head covering, the Talmud presents covering one’s head as a matter of piety (middat chasidut) and reverence before Heaven, not as an absolute requirement. While many Jews have accepted the practice and are careful to wear a kippah when praying or reciting blessings, a person who recites a blessing without a head covering has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation and the blessing is valid. Therefore, if wearing a kippah would create a genuine safety concern due to antisemitism or other circumstances, one may certainly recite blessings without a head covering.