In what position are the hands to be held while reciting Modeh Ani?[1]
There are different customs followed amongst Chassidim with regards to the positioning of the hands while saying Modeh Ani. Some[2] are accustomed to place the hands over each other [right over left] in an overlapping position, near the heart, as some people do during Shemoneh Esrei.[3] [Exhibit A] Others[4] lock the hands together in an embrace. [Exhibit B] The most common custom is to place the fingers and palm of the hands next to each other and hold them forward, away from the body.[5] It is told that the Rebbe Rayatz demonstrated the positioning of the hands upon revealing this custom and his hands were positioned like the third custom mentioned.[6] [Exhibit C]
[1] See Hiskashrus 623 p. 16; 711 p. 15
[2] Rav Tzevi Hirsh Ganzburg states that this is the custom he received.
[3] See Admur 95:4
[4] Rav Yitzchak Goldberg, Rosh Hayeshiva of Migdal Eimeik states that this is the custom of his family and of Anash that he knew in France.
[5] The Rebbe was asked how this position does not reflect the grace the Christians practice prior to meals and sleep. The Rebbe answered: The Rabbeim knew of this and nevertheless placed their hands in this position. The Christians prior to sleep prostrate themselves on their knees which we do not do and it is hence not similar. [Rav Leibel Groner, printed in Hiskashrus 623 p. 17]
[6] The correctness of this latter position is also to be understood from the fact the Rebbe answered why it is not forbidden due to being similar to the Christians and it is only this latter position which follows a similarity.