Forcing angels in heaven

Daf Hashavua

Ta’anis 19a,23a

אלמלא חוני אתה גוזרני עליך נידוי (לנדות ב"ח)

Malochim (angels) acting as intermediates for the Tefilos , goes back

to the times of the Gemoro (Shabbos 12b).

Tefilos directed to the Malochim,* started in the times of the Gaonim. We find

in Selichos, some Pizmonim where we daven directly to the Malochim.

Kabbalists  had a  practice of  forcing an oath on the

Malochim.  ( משביעין את המלאכים ).

Hashem gives permission to the Malochim to do as they are commanded

(by the Kabbalist) even if the recipients  are not worthy and have no zechusim

for the favour. (Levush)

There used to be a Minhag for Chazanim to force an oath on the Malochim.

The Chazanim were concerned, an Ayin Hora will cause them to lose

their voice during Davening.  

The Chazanim had a Nusach they said, before saying Hamelech.(Yomim Noroim)

בשם שמעי' -------(שמות של מלאכים)---- אני פלוני בן פלוני משביע אני עליכם

שתסייעו לי שאתפלל היום בקול רם ונעים וערב ואל יחר גרוני ואל ילאה רוחי וכוחי

(In the name of the Malochim --- I Ploni the son of Ploni, place a Shevuah

on you (Malochim) that you will help me to Daven today with a voice

that is loud, pleasant  and sweet, and my throat shouldn’t anger (cough)

and my spirit and strength shouldn’t tire.)  

The Levush (O.Ch.584) was against this Hashba’ah (oath). He claims it

is wrong to force Hashem to accept your Tefillos**. The acceptance of

Tefillos is dependant on the Kavanos Halev,and you may not force it.

The second issue the Levush had against it, was, Hefsek, The Nusach was

said after Baruch Sheomar.(before Hamelech)

The Levush suggest to eliminate it altogether and if not possible, then it

should at least  be said before Baruch Sheomar.

*Many Poskim(Maharal, Vilna Gaon< Chasam Sofer etc.)

were against it, but weren’t successful,in stopping  it.

** loss of voice is a sign of non acceptance of Tefilos