Berachos 16a speaks of additional supplications the Sages said after finishing the Amidah. I understood that on Shabbos and Yom Tov we don't ask for personal things. One proof is that we eliminate the middle prayers in the Amidah. If we can't ask for one's health or livelihood during a Shabbos or Yom Tov, can one ask for other personal needs? Or is this only on the weekday?
Barry Epstein, Dallas, USA
Dear Barry,
On Shabbos we don't ask for any personal needs.
Some say this brings one to think of what is lacking, which takes away from "Oneg Shabbos". However, standard prayers are permitted (like Elokai N'tzor at the end of Shmone Esrei or Racheim in Bircas Hamazon) (See Gemara Yerushalmi shabbos end of perek 15).
Many allow prayers for spiritual needs.
All the best
Reuven Weiner