1)Upon
hearing someone recite any Bracha, one is required to answer “Amen”. There is no
difference if the person reciting the Bracha is exempting the listener with the
Bracha or not; the obligation to answer Amen is the same. (According to the Ramban and others, when hearing a Bracha that is a
biblical obligation, such as Birchas Hamazon, the answering of Amen is also a
biblical obligation)
The simple meaning
of the word “Amen” , and the minimum one should think when saying Amen after
hearing a Bracha,is: “The Bracha that was just recited is true, and I believe
it” (for example when one makes a “Shehakol” on a glass of water, by reciting “Amen” you
are affirming that indeed it is true that Hashem created everything with His
word, and that you believe that Hashem can ,and does, create
everything!).
There are many other,more complex and
detailed “Kavanos” involved in the recital of “Amen” which differ based on the type of Bracha
recited (Birchas HaNehenin, Birchas HaMitzvos, Birchas
Ha’Shevach etc.), but we will not delve into those details at
this point)
2)The
Gemara (Berachos 53b) says that the person
answering Amen is greater than the person reciting the initial Bracha.
Furthermore, the Gemara (Shabbos 119b) says
that one who answers Amen with all his strength (which
means "full concentration" according to Rashi, and "in a loud voice", according
to Tosefos) ,the gates of Gan Eden are opened up for him/her.
Another thing the Gemara says there is that one who answers “Amen Yehei
Shemai Rabba” with all their strength will merit having any bad heavenly
decrees against them ripped up. There are many more such wonderful Maa’marei
Chazal regarding the beauty and power of
answering “Amen”. There are many great contemporary Sefarim and books
dedicated to this subjectand I encourage everyone to read up on this topic as
best as they can. (One facinating book I read a while back about the
power of Amen is called "Serenade The King")
Visit my
website http://www.HalachaForToday.com for archives, links,and
other features. Halachos are for study purposes, and should not be relied upon
for final Psak. I welcome all questions on any topic, anytime! Spread the word
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V’Hatzlacha!
Important Numbers
