1) If one mistakenly said "Modim D’Rabannan" (which is usually said by the Tzibbur during Chazaras HaShatz) instead of the regular Modim during Shemona Esrei, it is acceptable and nothing needs to be repeated. (Shu"t Be’er Moshe Vol. 4 Siman 15, Shu"t Az Nidbiru Vol. 8 Siman 49, and others)
The Pesukim of Birchas Kohanim (priestly blessing) are only said by the Shatz during the repetition of Chazaras HaShatz, and are not said during an individual’s Shemona Esrei. However, if an individual mistakenly says it, he/she need not repeat Shemona Esrei (as it isn’t considered a Hefsek, as certain opinions do indeed maintain that it is said in the individual’s Shemona Esrei- See Mishna Berura Siman 121:6)
2) After finishing the Bracha of "HaMevarech Es Amo BaShalom(blessing for peace)", it is customary to say "YihYu L’Ratzon Imrei Fi etc. - may my words [of Shemona Esrei] be accepted before you [Hashem]" before starting "Elokai Netzor".
At the completion of "Elokai Netzor", right before taking three steps back and saying "Oseh Shalom", it is customary to reiterate "YihYu L’Ratzon".
(According to the opinion of the Gaon of Vilna, the first "YihYu L’Ratzon" is not said, as he is of the opinion that "Elokai Netzor" is part of Shemona Esrei, and once "YihYu L’Ratzon" is said, it is as if you finished Shemona Esrei and moved out of position. This will make a big difference on Yom Kippur, when the Vidui must be said during the Shemona Esrei. According to the Gaon of Vilna, if the Vidui is said after saying "YihYu L’ratzon" you are not Yotzei, and must repeat the entire [Yom Kippur!] Shemona Esrei . See Siddur HaGra and Machzor HaMeforash)
Reader’s Question:
You mentioned in prior halachos that it is better not to bring children to shul if they will disturb the Tzibur and the like, but at the same time it is appropriate to bring children to shul for chinuch.
What if someone’s child constantly comes to shul every shabbos and doesn’t daven or anything but just collects candy and doesn’t stop talking and asks questions, all at the expense of the surrounding people’s kavana being disturbed-can someone approach that person and request he no longer bring his child to shul?
Does it make a difference if it’s between gavra l’gavra, psukei dzimra, or the amida? Does the age of the child matter? what would be the best hanhaga on this situation?
My Answer
There is no question that the child that is disturbing the Tzibbur does not belong in Shul, and the father is not even being Mekayem the Mitzvah of Chinuch by teaching a child that it’s ok to talk, run, and otherwise disturb in shul.
I don’t think the age matters, nor does the part of davening make a difference. Any child (or adult for that matter) that cannot keep quiet in shul and causes others to lose kavanah and be unable to daven, should not be in shul.
That being said, the Rav or Gabbai should be consulted as to the best way to approach this father and make him aware of his child’s disturbances. It is not something to get into a Machlokes over, and should be done diplomatically and tactfully.
Unfortunately, many shuls have to deal with this issue of talking and other disturbances during davening (by children and too often by adults) and it is something that really must be dealt with, as it is blatantly against Halacha and for some reason many are not careful in these matters
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
