The First "Pasuk" in Shemoneh Esrei
- Halacha Moment
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
The Daily Halacha Moment - The First "Pasuk" in Shemoneh Esrei
״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן
העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)
“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)
Question:
Why do we say "Hashem, sefatai tiftach u’fi yagid tehilatecha" before Shemoneh Esrei?
Answer:
The verse “Hashem, sefatai tiftach u’fi yagid tehilatecha” (“Hashem, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise” – Tehillim 51:17) was instituted to be said immediately before beginning the Shemoneh Esrei. This pasuk serves not only as a beautiful introduction, asking Hashem to help us speak His praise properly, but also carries a deeper meaning. It comes from a chapter in Tehillim in which David HaMelech expresses his heartfelt teshuvah after his sin. By starting the Amidah with these words, we affirm that even someone who has erred can return to Hashem and connect through sincere prayer. It teaches that prayer is a gift and a path to closeness with Hashem, even when one feels unworthy. This pasuk sets the tone for approaching Shemoneh Esrei with humility, broken-hearted sincerity, and the belief that Hashem wants our tefilot no matter where we’re holding spiritually. [1]
If one accidentally omits “Hashem, sefatai tiftach…” and goes straight into the first beracha of the Shemoneh Esrei (“Baruch Atah Hashem Elokeinu v’Elokei avoteinu…”), he still fulfills his obligation and does not need to repeat or restart the Amidah. This is because “Hashem sefatai tiftach” is not technically part of the 18 (or 19) blessings themselves, but rather a preparatory verse. While it is strongly encouraged to say it, and ideally one should not skip it, its omission does not invalidate the Shemoneh Esrei. Thus, if one already began the first beracha, he should simply continue rather than go back.[2]
Sources:
[1]. Beit Yosef 111 in the name of Rabbeinu Yonah
[2]. Biur Halacha to Shulchan Aruch 111:2 "Chozer V'omer"
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