191 '׳I WILL WRITE IT IN THEIR HEARTS“

A further rationale for reciting the Yehi Ratzon as early as possible is that the apple is eaten as an auspicious omen. Hence an extra measure of care is necessary so that this wUl not lead to negative effects. [For that reason, it is preferable to recite the Yehi Ratzon immediately, as indicated by] our Sages’ statement (Berachos 56b): “A person who sees [a particular entity in a dream] should get up early and say [the appropriate verse] before he is preempted [by the appearance of that object in an unfavorable verse]. One should not, however, recite the request Yehi Ratzon before the blessing over the fruit, just as the blessing over the sukkah should not be recited before the blessing HaMotzi (the Shulchan Aruch [of R. Yosef Caro,] sec. 643[:3]). In the present instance, the rationale for not reciting the request before [the blessing] is reinforced by another reason: that one should not ask for one’s own needs’ before reciting G-d’s praise.* These reasons are further strengthened by the concept (see the Alter Rebbe’s Shulchan Aruch, sec. 582:7) that these days are days of judgment, and hence one must show an additional measure of care [when reciting one’s prayers], even though this would not be required during the remainder of the year.

With regard to the suggestion you offered: That if, for any particular reason, it is desirable to recite the request Yehi Ratzon before partaking [of the apple], it is possible to partake [of it] directly after the blessing, [only then] recite the Yehi Ratzon, and then partake of it again. The Sdei Chemed mentions this compromise as suggested in the collection of responsa entitled Orach Chayim, the conclusion

6. [I.e., the passage in Berachos gives advice to a person who saw different entities in his dreams, suggesting a particular verse that is associated with each particular entity be recited before the person encounters a negative verse associated with that entity. Similarly, in this instance, the person should make the positive request with regard to the apple immediately, lest a negative situation arise.] [And the request Yehi Ratzon is asking that we be blessed with a sweet year.] [The blessing over the fruit itself.]