Question:
I would like to clarify the Halachos of what one may answer during Elokai Netzor.
From my understanding, if one says the first Yihyu L’Ratzon, it is permissible to answer Kadosh, Baruch Kevod Hashem, and Amen after HaKel HaKadosh and Shomea Tefillah. In addition, one may answer Amen, Yehei Shmei Rabbah… during Kaddish.
My question is: If a person does not say the first Yihyu L’Ratzon, does that mean he must remain silent and cannot answer? Doesn’t the Rema write that one may answer Kaddish and Kedushah since Elokai Netzor is considered a place where it is normal to add personal requests anyway?
For a while, when I daven, I have been skipping the first Yihyu L’Ratzon. But if I hear the chazzan approaching Kedushah or Kaddish, I quickly say Yihyu L’Ratzon, answer, and then return to my personal requests. Is this correct practice, or should I really be saying two Yihyu L’Ratzons?
I know the Gra was known to oppose the first Yihyu L’Ratzon, but I’m unsure what the proper approach should be.
Thank you very much.
Answer:
Hello,
The proper approach is to say Yehyu L’ratzon twice. Once right after Elokai Nitzor, and once afterwards. This is what the Mishna Berura (122-3) advises, and it is also in line with the minhag that the Rema writes, that we say it before Elokai Nitzor.
Regarding your question, the Rema writes that in the event that one did not say Yhiyu L’ratzon before saying his requests, and the chazzan is up to Amen Yihei … that one may answer, however the Mishna Berura (122-2) writes that you should still try to say Yihyu L’ratzon before answering.
Best wishes
