Dear Rabbi Simon,
Do we say the optional portion of the Akedah (binding and near-sacrifice of Isaac; Artscroll siddur pp. 22-24) when davening on Shabbos morning or on Chanukah? Also, do we consider Chanukah or Rosh Chodesh “yom tovim”?
Thanks
Yitzi
Dear Yitzi,
Reciting the portion of the Akeidah is a minhag which can be performed any day (except for the Fast of 9 Av), including Shabbos and Chanukah. However, on Shabbos and Yom Tov (possibly excluding Rosh Ha-Shanah) one should not say the supplication (Ribbono shel Olam) which follows. The reason for this is that we do not generally appeal for mercy on Shabbos or Yom Tov. However, the verses themselves may be recited.
“Yom Tov” refers specifically to the Festivals in which the Amidah is reduced from 19 blessings to only 7, ie all the “requests” found in the middle 13 blessings have been replaced by a single blessing (although this blessing sometimes spans several paragraphs).
So Chanukah and Rosh Chodesh (also Purim and Chol ha-Mo’ed, the intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot) are not “yamim tovim” in this sense. I hope this is clear enough!
Best wishes and happy Chanukah.
Rabbi Rashi Simon