Question: If one errs during Shabbat prayers, begins a weekday blessing, concludes it, and then returns to the blessings meant for Shabbat, is there anything bad about this? Also, is it permissible to speak during the “Me’en Sheva” blessing which is the blessing recited by the Chazzan following the Amida prayer on Friday night?
Answer: Approximately one year ago, we have discussed that one who errs during the Amida prayers of Shabbat and begins the blessings reserved for weekdays (“Ata Chonen” etc.), one must conclude the blessing one began and only then proceed to recite the blessings reserved for Shabbat. The reason for this is because the weekday blessings of the Amida prayer do apply, in essence, to Shabbat as well.
Based on this, there would seemingly be room to assume that if one errs during one’s Shabbat prayers, the prayer remains complete and unblemished as though he did not make any mistake at all. However, as we shall soon explain, this is indeed not the case.
Erring During One’s Prayer is Ominous for the Individual
The Mishnah (Berachot 34b) states that if one makes a mistake during one’s prayer, it is a bad sign for this individual. Thus, the Sefer Shenei Luchot Ha’Berit writes that if one errs during one’s Shabbat prayers and proceeds with the regular weekday blessings, one should be worried, take an account of one’s deeds, and repent fully, for erring during Shabbat prayers is tantamount to any other mistake one makes during a weekday Amida. One should therefore make sure not to err during Shabbat prayers by praying from a Siddur intently and amid much concentration.
Speaking During the “Me’en Sheva” Blessing
Regarding our second question which involves those who speak during prayer services, especially those who speak during Kaddish or the “Me’en Sheva” blessing (which is the blessing recited by the Chazzan immediately following the Friday night Amida prayer), indeed, their sin is certainly too great to bear.
The Sefer Chassidim (Chapter 58) recounts an incident regarding a certain pious individual who appeared to another righteous individual after his death, but his face had turned green. His friend asked him, “Why is your face green?” He replied, “Because I would speak while the congregation would recite “Vaychulu” and while the Chazzan would recite the ‘Me’en Sheva’ blessing and Kaddish.” The Tur (Chapter 268) quotes the words of the Sefer Chassidim.
Summary: One should take care not to err during Shabbat prayers, for erring during the Amida prayer is bad omen for the individual. It is absolutely forbidden to speak while the congregation recites “Vaychulu” and while the Chazzan recites the “Me’en Sheva” blessing and Kaddish.
