V’sain Tal Umatar - Summer Rain

QUESTION: In a previous halacha, we mentioned the opinion of the Rosh that those who live in countries that require rain even in the summer months should recite V’sain Tal Umatar in the summer as well. Although the Rosh admitted that his opinion was not accepted, and Shulchan Aruch does not follow this ruling, there are individuals who want to be strict to accommodate both opinions. Is there a way to do this?

ANSWER: Rabbi Genack relates that the practice of Rav Soloveitchik zt”l was to recite v’sain Tal umatar during the summer months in the beracha of shema koleinu. This was the practice of Rav Chaim Soloveitchik zt”l as well. In the beracha of Shema Koleinu one may add a private request. Even if one is not required to daven for rain, one may do so at this point as a private request. On the other hand, if one is required to recite V’sain Tal Umatar in the summer, as per the opinion of the Rosh, then one fulfills their obligation by inserting v’sain tal umatar in shema koleinu. In this way, one fulfills their obligation according to all opinions. However, this practice still needs further clarification, since the Gemara Taanis (4b) compares one who davens for rain (v’sain tal umatar) but does not praise Hashem for the rain (by reciting mashiv ha’ruach u’morid ha’geshem) to putting smoke in one’s eyes and vinegar on their teeth. Since one may not recite mashiv ha’ruach u’morid ha’geshem in the summer months, it would seem that it is inappropriate to daven for rain. However, Rabbi Genack explained that for those who recite “morid ha’tal” in the summer, this would not be an issue. The halacha is that if one recited “morid ha’tal” instead of “mashiv ha’ruach u’morid ha’geshem” it is acceptable bidi’eved. Therefore, by reciting morid ha’tal in the beracha of gevuros, and v’sain tal umatar in Shema koleinu one can fulfill all the opinions.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.