Shabbat Mincha: The Tzidkasecha Prayer

What is the "Tzidkasecha" at Shabbat Mincha all about?

Three of our greatest leaders died a Shabbat afternoon: David, Yosef, and according to most sources, Moshe Rabbeinu. (1)  A number of customs are observed on Shabbat afternoons to commemorate their passing, some of which are lesser-known and may even go completely unnoticed.

One of the more familiar Shabbat afternoon custom reflecting the theme of mourning is the recitation of " tzidkatcha " after the repetition of the Amida at Mincha. Tzidkatcha contains three verses, corresponding to each of the three leaders.(2) The verse tzidkatcha k’harerei el corresponds to Yosef who was especially righteous, the verse tzidkatcha Elohim ad marom refers to Moshe who was in Heaven for forty days studying Torah, and the verse tzidkatcha tzedek l’olam refers to David who pursued righteousness and judgment for the entire Jewish people. (3)

Tzidkatcha is intended to serve as a form of " tziduk hadin, " the prayer that is recited at every funeral, in which we accept God's judgments and decrees. Just as tziduk hadin is recited while standing, tzidkatcha should be recited while standing, as well.(4) Some sources suggest that the recitation of tzidkatcha is connected to the souls, especially of the newly deceased, that return to Gehenom after the weekly Shabbat respite. Reciting tzidkatcha shows that we accept God’s judgment regarding those who have recently passed away, and, by extension, for any “purification” that they must go through.(5) Tzidkatcha is not recited on days on which tachanun would not be recited if it were a weekday.

[1] Zohar, Teruma; Menachot 30a; Elya Rabba 292:17. Other sources seem to indicate that Moshe Rabbeinu died on a Friday. See  Tur, Bach, OC 292.)

[2] Mishna Berura 292:6; Elya Rabba 292:1,7; Siddur Hashla.

[3] Seder Hayom

[4] Shibolei Haleket 126.

[5] Rosh, Pesachim 10:13; Elya Rabba 292:16,17; Shulchan Aruch Harav, OC 292:5; Kaf Hachaim, OC 292:15.