Ultimately, the reason for skipping several lines during the responsive repetition of Shema Koleinu is rooted in the deep connection between the prayers of forgiveness and the inner thoughts and intentions of the heart. By reciting these verses quietly, we acknowledge the personal and introspective nature of this prayer, allowing for a more focused and meaningful connection with Hashem during this crucial time of repentance.
Regenerate However, in the ArtScroll Nusach Ashkenaz siddur (Kol Yaakov, January 1987), the verses of the prayer are arranged differently. âAmareinuâ and âYihâyu lâratzonâ are placed at the end, and the instructions are to recite the first five verses, from Shema Koleniu until Al taâazvenu, in a responsive manner.
Rabbi Sholom Klass quoted in his Responsa a passage of the Yerushalmi (Taâanit 2:1) explaining Reish Lakishâs statement that the repentance of the people of Nineveh was an insincere repentance (namely, it was based on fraud): âR. Chuna said in the name of R. Shimon b. Chalfuta that the people of Nineveh separated the newborn animals from their mothers and thus both the suckling animals and the nursing animals let out great wails. The people of Nineveh then argued with G-d, âIf You do not have pity on us, we will have no pity on them,â and they were forgiven. Thus wailing, combined with a solid argument, and added, of course, to repentance, is seen as successful in achieving forgiveness.â
However, we have to keep in mind that we should not draw a comparison between people and beasts, although we do share some traits with them. As stated in Tractate Chagiga (16a), human beings are like ministering angels in three aspects and like beasts in three other aspects. As animals do, human beings eat and drink, propagate, and relieve themselves. But we are also compared to angels because we are endowed with understanding, we walk erect, and we can talk in the holy tongue. (This refers to the ability to learn to speak Hebrew. As the Maharsha notes ad loc., it does not exclude those who do not speak Hebrew, but points to the fact that the ministering angels do not have the ability to comprehend Aramaic and understand only Hebrew.)
Those who say âAmareinuâ aloud rely on the fact that crying out loud and wailing is effective because it is common to all creatures, but speaking and saying the prayers puts us on a higher plane where we are compared to angels. But we still say âYihâyu lâratzonâ quietly in deference to King David.