עברית
Prayer and Blessings
What are the guidelines for reciting Tikkun HaKlali?
Question
I am wondering about the rules regarding the recitation of Tikkun HaKlali... I have read somewhat informally that it is forbidden to recite the Tikkun on Shabbat and also after sunset... and that if I have a specific intention for matrimonial or livelihood matters, one must recite it for forty days. So my question is: what are the rules concerning the recitation of Tikkun HaKlali?
Answer
Greetings and blessings,
There are no specific laws regarding the recitation of Tikkun HaKlali beyond those applicable to the recitation of Psalms in general.
It is well known and widely published in holy books that reciting Psalms with intention and humility has great power to avert various calamities, harmful incidents, illnesses, and failures from the reciter and the members of their household and family. It also serves to open locked iron gates and call for the release of prisoners.
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, of blessed memory, arranged ten chapters from the entire Psalms which, according to his view, possess special spiritual efficacy beyond the other chapters. Some accepted his opinion, and others rejected it. Even according to those who oppose his view, there is no prohibition in reciting these chapters, as they are all songs of King David within the entire Book of Psalms, though nothing beyond the other chapters.
Rabbi Nachman never established any formal laws on this matter; he communicated these points succinctly near his death. If anyone claims to speak in his name and makes unusual rulings, they must bring evidence. Therefore, the halachic status of reciting Tikkun HaKlali is the same as that of reciting Psalms. The decisors (poskim) debated whether it is preferable to say Psalms during the first half of the night, but many poskim permitted reciting Psalms at any hour of the night without objection. After midnight, the accepted custom is simply to recite Psalms as designated by the poskim. On Shabbat and festivals, it is permitted to say Psalms according to all opinions, whether by day or by night, as a form of praise and song.
Any matter for which one prays continuously day after day has a greater likelihood that the prayer will be accepted. It is reported in the name of several righteous individuals that one who prays for a matter for forty consecutive days is very close to having the prayer accepted. Some have said that if this is done at the Western Wall for forty days, the prayer is guaranteed to be accepted. Wishing you success - Menashe Israel.
