Ser: I have obtained from you a reprint from the Spring 1959 issue of Tradition, the reprinted article entitled "Separate Pews in the Synagogue." Having read it carefully, I have some questions. On page 154 I quote you: "In Congregations maintaining separate seating, it is usual to have the worshipper worshipping as an individual, yet at his own rate and his own intentions and at his own skill and level, so we are readily to learn each davening separately." Is the mechanical worshiper—who is slightly bored, rapid-fire reader, not so devout, and disturbs—meant to be slightly bored, rapid-fire reader, not so devout, and disturbing his neighbor at the Temple? He reads aloud, disturbs his neighbor, and generally goes with vocal prayer of mishearing by neighbor. Is not spontaneous prayer preferable in some measure? Cannot prayer be in general more meaningful and more spiritually rewarding? Cannot prayer be in general more meaningful and spiritually rewarding? Cannot prayer be in general more meaningful and spiritually rewarding? Also, is not spontaneous prayer speed up by the repetition of the same fixed wording and not so beneficial as prayer with creative thought? Furthermore, is the Talbuthah that one is to suppose to say the Amidah ("silent prayer") to himself as Hannah did in the book of Shmuel (first book, first chapter)? Thank you for your time.Yours truly, Carl Hoffman