Viduy and other prayers said when someone is ill, prior to passing-Part 1

Viduy and other prayers said when ill, prior to one’s passing:

1. The laws and customs of Viduy:[1]

The importance of Viduy: All those who confess their sins receive a portion in the world to come.[2] Saying the Viduy is helpful for one’s recovery, as sincere repentance brings merit to the person and can nullify a severe decree from Heaven.[3]

Who recites Viduy? Viduy is recited by both men and women of any age who are ill.

When to recite Viduy?[4] When the ill person is nearing death, he is to be told to confess his sins. [He is not to be told to confess prior to reaching the state of close to death.[5] It is, however, important to get the ill person to recite Viduiy before he reaches a state that he cannot speak, and certainly before he enters an unconscious state. Viduiy is to be recited by him while he still maintains a clear mind and has the strength to recite the Viduy properly.[6] One should not delay reciting Viduy out of fear that it is a bad omen.]

Is it recited on Shabbos and Yom Tov?[7] Viduy may be recited on any day, including Shabbos and Yom Tov.

Persuading the ill person to recite Viduy:[8] The sick person is to be told “Many people who have recited the Viduy have not died [and instead have gone on to live many long years] and many people who have not recited Viduy have died. In the merit that you will confess, you will live.” [One is not to tell the ill person to confess because he is nearing death.[9] It is a great Mitzvah to talk to the sick person and persuade him to recite Viduy while he is still in a proper state of mind, as stated above.[10]]

If the ill person cannot speak:[11] If the ill person is unable to verbally confess, then he is to confess in his heart [i.e. mind]. [It is important to get the ill person to recite Viduy before he reaches a state that he cannot speak, and certainly before he enters an unconscious state.]

Who may be present:[12] One is not to say Viduy in the presence of ignoramuses, or women and children, as this may lead them to cry [and cause hysteria, and they will cause the ill person to panic]. [It goes without saying that those who cannot control their crying are to leave the area while Viduy is recited.]

How to recite it-Washing hands; Wearing Tzitzis; wearing a Gartel: It is customary to wash one’s hands prior to reciting Viduy.[13] [This is done similar to the morning washing.] One is likewise to wear Tzitzis.[14] Some are accustomed to wear a Gartel while reciting it.[15] One is to give charity prior to confessing.[16]

[1] Michaber Y.D. 338:1

[2] Michaber ibid; Mishneh Sanhedrin 43b

[3] See Michaber ibid “Many have confessed and have lived. In the merit that you will confess, you will live.”; Mavor Yabok Mamar Imrei Noam 15 “Confession many times lessens the illness, as it sweetens the judgment”;

[4] Michaber 338:1; Shabbos 32a

[5] Shach 338:1

[6] Beis Lechem Yehuda 338 in name of Sefer Zichronos: “It is a great Mitzvah to talk to the sick person and persuade him to recite Viduiy while he is still in a clear state of mind, and not to delay until he reaches a state of unconsciousness. A Choleh that has alacrity precedes and recites the Viduy and supplications early while he still has strength available.”; Shlah Pesachim

[7] Mishmeres Shalom Vav 1; Nitei Gavriel 1:8 footnote 9 in name of Poskim

[8] Michaber ibid; Ramban in Toras Hadam

[9] Shach 338:1; Perisha 338

The reason: As this can break his heart and worsen his condition. [ibid]

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that the ill person is to be told to confess because he is nearing death. [Bach 338, brought in Shach ibid]

[10] Beis Lechem Yehuda 338 in name of Sefer Zichronos

[11] Michaber 338:1; Tur 338

[12] Michaber 338:1

[13] Seder Viduiy of Ramban, printed in Darkei Chesed p. 286; See Beis Lechem Yehuda 338 in name of Sefer Chassidim: “Tzadikim are accustomed to wash their hands prior to passing away”

[14] Seder Viduiy of Ramban, printed in Darkei Chesed p. 286

[15] Nitei Gavriel 1:10

[16] Mavor Yabok Sifsei Tzadik 10

[17] See Shaar Hatziyon 606:22; Nitei Gavriel 1:9