Smichas Geula L’tfillah Part II
by Rabbi Nachum Scheiner, Night Kollel & Morning Kollel
We previously discussed that the brocha of Hashkiveinu is an extension of the geula and is not a hefsek. Similarly, “Hashem sifasi” is considered an extension of the tefillah and is not a hefsek.
Reciting Baruch Hashem L’olam
In many places there is a minhag to recite the brocha of Baruch Hashem L’olam. Why is it not an interruption between geula and tefillah? This question is discussed by Tosfos (Brochos 4b). Tosfos explains that this is also considered an extension of the redemption, and does not constitute an interruption.
The Meiri offers a different rationale. He explains that since it was instituted with 18 pesukim – which includes the name of Hashem 18 times – it is meant to be like shmoneh esrei, and is considered an extension of the tefillah. This is similar to “Hashem sfasi tiftach,” which is considered an extension of the tefillah and is not considered an interruption.
Other Rishonim argue and maintain that Baruch Hashem L’olam is an interruption and should not be recited. The Tur and the Shulchan Aruch quote both opinions. The Gra and the Baal Hatanya follow the latter opinion, and rule that it should not be recited.
Reciting V’shamru on Shabbos
There is also a custom in many places to recite the pesukim “V’shamru” on Friday night before shmoneh esrei. Why is this not a hefsek? The Tur and the Levush explain that since this pasuk discusses the mitzvah of keeping Shabbos – which will bring the ultimate redemption – it is considered an extension of the redemption, and does not constitute an interruption.
There is also a custom to recite a pasuk: “Vayedaber Moshe...” on the night of yom tov before shmoneh esrei. The Levush explains that since the yamim tovim are “zecher l’yitziyas Mitzrayim,” to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt, it is also considered an extension of the redemption, and is not an interruption.
The Drisha explains that it is like an introduction to the shmoneh esrei. Since the pasuk discusses the topic of the yom tov, it is considered like an extension of the tefillah – just as we recite Hashem sfasi tiftach – and is not a hefsek.
Similarly, the custom is on the night of Rosh Hashana to recite the pasuk: “Tiku bachodesh shofar.” Once again, the Levush explains that since the shofar will be blown to signal the arrival of the geula, it is also considered an extension of the redemption, and does not constitute an interruption. He explains that this is also the reason for the pasuk recited on Yom Kippur, “Ki vayom hazeh yechaper” which talks about clearing our slate from our aveiros – which is redemption of the soul – and is also considered a part of the geula.
Others argue, and hold that all of these pesukim do constitute a hefsek and should not be recited. This is the opinion of the Gra, and the Baal Hatanya. (Interestingly, although they are printed in the Chabad siddur, they are not recited.)
In Summary
Some have the custom to recite “Baruch Hashem L’olam” during the weekday Maariv, or “V’shumru,” on Shabbos, as well as the pasuk: “Vayedaber Moshe” on the night of yom tov before shmoneh esrei. It is considered an extension of the geula, and it is not a hefsek. Others rule that it is a hefsek and should not be said.
To be continued...
Rabbi Scheiner
