The Addition of Meshiv Haruach vol.4, no. 30
From Shemini Atseres until Pesach we insert into the second blessing of the Shemone Esreh the phrase Meshiv Haruach Umorid Hageshem.1
If one forgot to say this phrase in the second blessing he must repeat the entire Shemone Esreh. However, if he remembered before he started to say Baruch Atah of the end of the second blessing he can say it at that point in the prayer. He should make sure that the phrase v’ne’eman atah is said in juxtaposition to the ending Baruch Atah.2
If he completed the second blessing and has not yet started the third blessing he can say the phrase Meshiv Haruach and then continue to recite the third blessing.3
If he started to recite the words Baruch Atah Hashem at theend of the blessing when he realized his omission of Meshiv Haruach, there are authorities who rule that he should complete the sentence with the words lamdeini chukecha so that it would be as if he were reciting a verse from Psalms and not recited a blessing. Then he can say Meshiv Haruach and complete the blessing properly.4
Within thirty days of starting to add Meshiv Haruach a person must repeat the Shemone Esreh if he is in doubt whether or not he said it. After thirty days he can assume he said it.
The above halachos apply to those people who do not say Morid Hatal in the summer. But if one says Morid Hatal in the summer and is in doubt whether he said Meshiv Haruach in the winter it can be assumed he said Morid Hatal which suffices. However even he should say Meshiv Haruach even if he said Morid Hatal.5
According to some customs the phrase is pronounced Morid Hageshem while according to others it is pronounced Morid Hagashem. One who is not sure of his custom should ask a competent halachic authority for advice.
1) Shulchan Aruch 114 2) Mishneh Brurah 114:29 3) SA 114:6 4) Shar Hatzion B’lo Chasima 5)MB114:27
