Nusach
Nusach Sfard (Chassidic) Siddur
The nusach of most Chassidic communities, based on the Arizal's writings. iPhone and Android, with Patach Eliyahu, Pitum HaKetoret, and every insertion automatic.
Important: Nusach Sfard ≠ Edot HaMizrach
Nusach Sfard is the Chassidic nusach (Chabad, Breslov, Ger, Belz, etc.). Edot HaMizrach is the nusach of Jews originating in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries (Iraqi, Moroccan, Persian, Yemenite). These are different. The confusion arises because both incorporate Arizal-era kabbalistic elements, but they are separate nusachim.
What is Nusach Sfard
With the spread of Chassidut in 18th-century Poland and Ukraine, certain elements from Nusach Ari (the kabbalistic Sephardic prayer order, per the Arizal) were grafted onto the Ashkenaz nusach traditional in those regions. The result is a hybrid: Ashkenazi at its base (in blessing wording) and Sephardic-kabbalistic in the additions (Pesukei DeZimra ordering, Patach Eliyahu).
This is the nusach of most Chassidic groups today: Breslov, Ger, Belz, Vizhnitz, Satmar, Skver, and so on. Chabad is a special case: they use the precise Nusach Ari (Siddur HaRav) which has further differences.
How Otot handles Nusach Sfard
- Hodu before Baruch She'amar in Pesukei DeZimra.
- Long Korbanot section including Pitum HaKetoret.
- Patach Eliyahu before Mincha.
- Tikkun Chatzot for those who say it.
- "V'Yatzmach Purkanei" in the Kaddish.
- Yedid Nefesh before Friday Mincha.
- All insertions (Yaaleh v'Yavo, Al HaNissim, Tachanun, Sefirat HaOmer) automatic.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nusach Sfard the same as Sephardic (Edot HaMizrach)?
No, this is a common confusion. Nusach Sfard is a Chassidic nusach, an Ashkenazi base modified with elements from the Arizal's teachings, adopted by the Chassidic movement in the 18th century. Edot HaMizrach (Sephardic-Mizrahi) is a different family of nusachim used by Jews from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries.
How do I know if I daven Sfard or Ashkenaz?
It depends on community and family lineage. If you or your ancestors daven in Chassidic shuls (Chabad, Breslov, Ger, Belz, Vizhnitz, Satmar, etc.), you likely daven Sfard or Nusach Ari. If you are Litvish, Modern Orthodox, or non-Chassidic Western European descent, you likely daven Ashkenaz.
Do you have Patach Eliyahu?
Yes. Otot's Sfard nusach includes Patach Eliyahu (the kabbalistic introduction from Tikunei Zohar), which appears before Mincha in classic Chassidic minhag. It's included automatically when you select Nusach Sfard.
What's the difference between Nusach Ari and Nusach Sfard?
Nusach Ari is the more "orthodox" form of Chassidic nusach, based directly on the Arizal's siddur. Nusach Sfard is a variation with certain adaptations. Chabad uses the precise Nusach Ari (Siddur HaRav). Most other Chassidic groups use Nusach Sfard.