Requests within the Blessing on Jerusalem
Question
Answer
Hello
I have seen two explanations regarding this:
A. According to the words of the Gemara, from the day Jerusalem was destroyed, the taste of the fruits was taken away and the yield was diminished. Therefore, with the prayer for the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we ask for the return of abundance in crops and fruits.
B. It is forbidden for a person to ask for their own needs before praising the Almighty, so after we thank and praise the Almighty, we conclude with prayers for our own needs.
Source
A. Sefer Iyun Tefila. According to the Gemara (Sotah 48a), from the day the Temple was destroyed, the dew does not bring blessing, the taste of the fruits was taken away, and the fatness of the fruits, etc.
B. Sefer Mata Yehuda. According to the Gemara (Berachot 32a), one should always first praise the Almighty and then pray.