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Inserting Supplication in Shema Kolenu

I once heard that a person can insert any Tefilla he desires, into Shema Koleinu of the weekday Shmonai Esrai (or alternatively right before Elokai Netzor). If this is true, are there limitations? Can a person insert paragraphs of Tachanun on Friday afternoon, right before Shabbos when of course we don’t say Tachanun on Erev Shabbos?

Answer:

Yes, it is true that you can insert personal prayers in Shema Kolenu and after Sim Shalom (or after Elokai Netzor, before the Yehi Ratzon).

However, authorities write that one should not say lengthy prayers in the Shema Kolenu blessing, and that these prayers should not be fixed (see Taz 122).

In general these are places where a person can daven to Hashem in his own words, adding his personal supplications to those of the Shemoneh Esrei. As part of a person prayer one can use different verses and prayers, but you should not of course make this into an alternative “Tachanun” prayer.

Best wishes.

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