1. Question: [Sunday 30^th Menachem Av 5781]

During the blessing of Shema Koleinu, I am accustomed to Daven for my personal needs and I would like to know if I’m allowed to also use this time during the blessing to give thanks to Hashem, such as if for example something I prayed for was answered by G-d, can I give thanks to G-d in Shema Koleinu, and if so, should it be said before or after my regular personal prayers

Answer:

It is forbidden to mention anything other than requests from God during the blessing of Shema Koleinu. While it is extremely important to express gratitude and Hakaras Hatov for requests that G-d has answered for oneself, this is not to be done during Shemoneh Esrei, and even in the blessing of Shema Koleinu it may not be done.

Explanation: Although there are no restrictions regarding what one can request during the blessing of Shema Koleinu, this is specifically regarding requests from G-d, however any other matter is forbidden to be mentioned during Shema Koleinu due to it being an interval in Shemoneh Esrei. Thus, we find that the Poskim prohibit the making up of Mashiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem within Shema Koleinu, and rather require one who skipped it [and did not say Morid Hatal] to return to the beginning of the prayer, even though regarding Vesein Tal Umatar Levracha they rule that one can make it up in Shema Koleinu. The reason for this differentiation is because Mashiv Haruach is a mere statement of praise and not a request, and therefore may not be said in Shema Koleinu, as opposed to Visein Tal Umatar which is a request and may be said at that point.

Sources: See Admur 117:5; 114:6; 119:1; M”A 117:6; Tur and Beis Yosef 114; Talmidei Rabbeinu Yonah Brachos 29a; Tosafus Brachos 29a