To Stand or Sit for Asher Yatzar?

Q. Should one stand or sit when reciting Asher Yatzar?

A. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l (Halichos Shlomo 20, footnote 104) was careful to recite Asher Yatzar while standing. Asher Yatzar is a birchas ha’shevach (blessing of praise to Hashem), and it is proper to stand when giving praise to Hashem. 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, footnote 20) waited until he would finish drying his hands before reciting Asher Yatzar. As noted in the previous Halacha Yomis, one who recites Asher Yatzar with full kavana (concentration) will be spared from all forms of illness.

______________________________________________________

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.