Asher Yatzar - Standing or Sitting

QUESTION: Should one stand or sit when reciting Asher Yatzar?

ANSWER: Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l (Halichos Shlomo 20, note 104) was careful to recite Asher Yatzar while standing. Asher Yatzar is a birkas ha’shevach (blessing of praise to Hashem), and it is proper to stand when giving praise to Hashem. The Aruch Hashulchan (O”C 422:13) writes that although it is proper to stand for the recitation of Hallel, if one cannot stand for Hallel due to health reasons, it may be said sitting. Accordingly, the same can be applied to the beracha of Asher Yatzar. If one cannot say it standing, the beracha can be said sitting as well.

One should stand still while reciting the beracha and not walk around or engage in other activities which might detract from one’s concentration. In fact, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (ibid. 22, note 20) waited until he finished drying his hands before reciting Asher Yatzar. 

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