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After davening, for the last few days, the tzibbur has been saying tehillim for Rav Belsky (may he have a speedy refuah sh’laimah). When finished, the shliach tzibbur says a Mi Sheberach for Rav Belsky as well.
My father had open heart surgery a short while ago and is still recovering. When the Shliach Tzibbur says his Mi Sheberach, I silently say a tefillah that my father should recover as well (b’soch sh’ar choliei Yisroel).
However, I’m wondering now if that’s a proper thing to do. Those tehillim aren’t meant for my father… not a single person in the shul has ever met my father and not one of them know that he’s had this operation. The tefillos are for a specific person and, I’m assuming, the shliach tzibbur and the olam have the right to assume that I had that person in mind while saying tehillim. (I did have Rav Belsky in mind, just not exclusively).
Is it wrong of me to use those tehillim to pray for the recovery of another choleh, if they are meant for a specific one? And, if so, what can I do to rectify the situation?
The Wolf
…”b’soch sh’ar choliei Yisroel”
No, it’s fine.
Saying Tehillim arouses Divine mercy, and the mishebeirach tefillah afterwards directs Hashem’s rachamim towards the choleh mentioned. Hashem’s mercy is endless, so nothing is “stolen”.
In fact, we always include all cholim (“b’soch sh’or cholei Yisroel”). There’s nothing wrong with specifying your father’s name.
May R’ Belsky and your father both have a complete and speedy recovery, b’soch sh’or cholei Yisroel.
I don’t think you’ve stolen or hijacked any tefillos. You prayed for your father’s recovery (may he be granted a speedy and complete refuah), which is always a legitimate thing to do. Doing so in no way impinges on the tefillos of others.
May your sensitivity and concern about the impact of your actions on others be an added zechus for your father.
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