מלאכים ממש

מלאכים ממש

The concept of מלאכים (angels) acting as intermediates for the Tefilos, is mentioned in the Gemoro (Shabbos 12b). "השואל צרכיו בלשון ארמי אין מלאכי השרת נזקקין לו" Tefilos directed to the  מלאכים* started in the times of the  Gaonim. We find in Selichos, Pizmonim & Piyutim where we  daven directly to the מלאכים. There used to be a Kabbalistic practice of forcing an oath  on the מלאכים.  (  משביעין את המלאכים ). Hashem gives permission to the מלאכים to do as they  are commanded (by humans) even if the recipients are  not worthy and have no zechusim for the favour. (Levush)

Chazanim had a Nusach they said, before saying המלך.(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 השבעה (oath). He claims it

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

Tefillos is dependant on the כוונת הלב,and you may not force it.

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

said after ברוך שאמר.(before Hamelech)

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

should be said beforeברוך שאמר.

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

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

** loss of voice would be a sign of non acceptance of Tefilos