Yehi Ratzon During Shofar

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 tefillos between each set of blasts. One must not make such interruptions during a set. Therefore, the yehi ratzon printed in the machzor should not be recited. He notes (Shaar Hatzion 592:15) that R’ Yaakov Emden (Siddur Beis Yaakov) was lenient regarding this practice.

R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 1:36:18;7 OC 3:32) quotes the Minchas Elazar (1:75) who challenges the minhag of reciting these tefillos. The Beis Yosef (OC 590) explains that there is a machlokes regarding the requirement to blow a minimum of thirty blasts. According to Rambam (Shofar 3:2), this is due to a safek (doubt) about the correct sound for teruah. Therefore, we blow three sets to ensure that we fulfil the mitzva. Consequently, R’ Ovadia argues that it would be a hefsek to interrupt with any tefillos. Additionally, some questionable names have entered the text and should not be uttered (see Minchas Elazar 1:75).

R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 5:65:3) and R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:344) observe that many great Rabbis never recited this yehi ratzon.

In conclusion, unless one has a specific minhag to say the yehi ratzon, it is best to refrain from doing so.

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