Dose of Halacha

Question:  Last Rosh Hashana I started saying the yehi ratzon printed in my machzor between the tekios, but someone motioned to me not to say it. Can I say it if I want to? Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 592:3) states that one should not talk between the various tekios . The Tur (OC 592:2) adds that while someone who spoke would not need to repeat the berachos and listen to the shofar again, they should still be advised not to talk. The Rema notes that davening and shofar related speech does not constitute a hefsek , an unnecessary interruption. R’ Ben Zion Abba Shaul (Ohr Letzion 1:39) holds that reciting the yehi ratzon does not constitute a hefsek , as the Arizal deemed such words of vidui appropriate during tekias shofar . Similarly, the Mateh Ephraim (590:36) records the minhag to recite the yehi ratzon but cautions against mentioning the names of the malachim (angels). However, the Mishna Berura (592:12) clarifies that the Rema's leniency applies specifically to te...

Question: I have been asked to blow shofar for people who are housebound. Should I repeat the berachos each time even though I have already fulfilled the mitzva ? Answer: The Gemara (Rosh Hashana 29a with Rashi; Shavuos 39a) teaches that Jewish people are spiritually responsible for each other. As such, one person can recite certain berachos for another even if they don’t need to recite it themselves. The Magen Avraham (167:40) explains that because of this responsibility ( arvus ), if one knows that another person hasn’t performed a mitzva , it is almost as if they haven’t performed the mitzva themselves. Therefore, one who has already fulfilled their obligation for kiddush can recite kiddush for another person who has not. There is a machlokes as to whether one can recite a beracha on a mitzva that one is not commanded to perform. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 589:6) writes that as women are not obligated to hear the shofar , they do not recite the beracha as they cannot say vetz...