The recitation of Morning Blessings despite the fact that one has not slept

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The importance of dedicating texts of Chassidus on behalf of relatives

No. 410

This letter was addressed to Rabbi Y.

B"H, 9 Tishrei, 5709

Greetings and blessings,

With regard to your letter of 24 Elul, in response to your question with regard to the congregation’s reading of the phrases zochreinu... u’besefer...when the sheliach tzibbur repeats [the Shemoneh Esreh].

Our custom, as verified explicitly by my revered father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, is that the congregation recite u’chsov... and u’chsom...[23] and u’besefer on Shabbos and festivals as well.

You write that there are those [who follow the custom that the congregation] also repeat zochreinu... and mi chamocha...and that it appears to you that this practice should be followed, for what reason is there to differentiate between [these refrains] and u’chsov...?

I have heard about this custom and I have always wondered why the phrase mi chamocha... is repeated, for this is not a request for mercy, but instead a recounting of G-d’s praise.

The rationale for our custom not to repeat zochreinu...[24] is that the request “Remember us for life” is a lesser request.[25] Therefore the congregation does not repeat it after they have already asked:[26] “Write down... for a good life.” The sheliach tzibbur, by contrast, [recites zochreinu despite the fact that he has said u’chsov, because he recites] u’chsov[27] [only] in order to prepare for the recitation of his [public] prayers.[28]

With regard to sending the publications of Otzar HaChassidim and Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch to your community: Inform me of the number of copies of each [publication desired].

I have asked several times whether anyone is in possession of the explanations of Rav Shmuel Gronem Esterman on the Tanya.[29] ([I am asking to borrow them] with the intent that they will be returned.) I have not received a clear response.

I conclude with blessings for a chasimah and a g’mar chasimah tovah,

Rabbi Menachem Schneerson

   

Notes:

23. (Back to text) [These expressions are recited in the blessing Modim. Until Neilah on Yom Kippur, we recite u’chsov.... During Neilah, we recite u’chsom....]

24. (Back to text) [Even though it is a request for mercy.]

25. (Back to text) [It asks for “life,” while the later requests mention “a good life.”]

26. (Back to text) [In their recitation of the Shemoneh Esreh in a hushed tone.]

27. (Back to text) [And the entire Shemoneh Esreh that he recites in a hushed tone.]

28. (Back to text) [For the chazzan’s recitation of the Shemoneh Esreh in a hushed tone is intended for that purpose.]

29. (Back to text) [See Letters No. 191, 218, et al.]

The recitation of Morning Blessings despite the fact that one has not slept

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The importance of dedicating texts of Chassidus on behalf of relatives