From the Rav’s Desk: Reciting Yehi Ratzon by Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim

1. Question: [Sunday, 26^th Sivan, 5781]

Is one to recite the Yehi Ratzon after each book of Tehillim on Shabbos Mevarchim if he is saying it without a Minyan?

Answer:

In such a case, there is no need to say it after each book of Tehillim, although if one desires to, he may. In the event that one does not say it between each book of Tehillim, then one can say it at the end of finishing the entire Tehillim, including all the books and corresponding Chumashim in the Nussach.

Explanation: The entire custom of reciting the Yehi Ratzon between each book of tehillim was innovated by the Rebbe for the sake of there being a separation between the various Kaddeishim that are recited by the mourner. Even then, it’s main recital is relevant for the mourner saying the Kaddish or the Chazan, and not necessarily for each individual. All the more so does this apply when saying it alone without a Minyan, that there is no need for one to stop and say the Yehi Ratzon.

 Sources: See Igros Kodesh 10:304 [printed in end of Kovetz Michtavim in Tehillim Oholei Yosef Yitzchak] and Sefer Haminhagim p. 59 [English] footnote 237 that in the event that Kaddish is being recited between each Sefer, the Yehi Ratzon for each Sefer is to be recited prior to each Kaddish. At the very least, it is to be recited by the person saying the Kaddish. Hiskashrus 483  that the Rebbe was not accustomed to recite the Yehi Ratzon after each Sefer, but rather only once after the entire Tehillim and that in the event that there is no Chiyuv present and Kaddish is not being recited between each Sefer, it is implied that one does not recite the Yehi Ratzon between each Sefer. In a written response from Rabbi Leibal Groner he stated that one does not say the Yehi Ratzon unless he is leading the Tehillim or is saying the Kaddish afterwards.