top of page

Common Mistakes When Answering Amen

Writer's picture: Halacha MomentHalacha Moment

The Daily Halacha Moment - Common Mistakes When Answering Amen



״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)


“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)


Question:

What are common mistakes when answering Amen?



Answer:

The Gemara in Berachot 47a discusses different types of Amen, highlighting how one’s intent and pronunciation affect the validity and significance of their response. The Gemara distinguishes between three categories of improper Amen and contrasts them with the ideal way of responding.



1) Amen Yetomah (Orphaned Amen) – This refers to answering Amen without knowing which beracha was recited. The Gemara warns against this, as it demonstrates a lack of proper attentiveness and respect for the beracha. The Rishonim explain that this could apply in cases where one responds automatically without paying attention or when the Amen is delayed too long after the beracha. [1] Similarly, a Amen Yetomah (orphaned Amen) can also refer to when one delays too long before responding. If there is an excessive pause between the conclusion of the beracha and the response of Amen, it is considered disconnected and improper. Therefore, when one hears a beracha, they should respond immediately, within Toch Kedei Dibbur (approximately 2-3 seconds), ensuring that their Amen is properly connected to the blessing. [2]



2) Amen Chatufah (Snatched Amen) – This is when one rushes through the word Amen, either by cutting off part of the pronunciation ( not pronouncing the kamatz under the Aleph of Amen) or saying it before the beracha is completed. The Gemara criticizes this as an improper way of responding since it does not give proper significance to the beracha. [3]



3) Amen Ketufah (Incomplete Amen) – This refers to swallowing part of the word, such as pronouncing it improperly ( not pronouncing the nun of Amen) or not enunciating it fully. The Gemara teaches that an Amen should be recited in a clear and deliberate manner to show proper kavana (intention). [4]



Sources:

[1]. Shulchan Aruch 215:2; Tur 215; Rosh Berachot 8:5.

[2]. Mishna Berurah 124:34.

[3]. Shulchan Aruch 124:8.

[4]. Shulchan Aruch 124:8.


📲 The Daily Halacha Moment is written exclusively for this broadcast so when forwarding please include the link! 😊

Netanel Aminov

Founder Of The Halacha Moment


🌟 Today's Halacha Moment is dedicated:

🕯 Leiluy Nishmat:

Mishael Ben Frecha

Efrat Bat Aushra

🤒 Refuah Shelema:

Chana Bat Sima Feiga

💯 Hatzlacha:

Aminov Family

Sion Ben Elie

DBY


🗣️ Want Your Friends/ Family to Be Part of This Amazing Broadcast?

👇 Click Below 👇



⭐️❤️ Want the _zechut_ of dedicating a Halacha Moment seen by thousands?

Dedicate day  $72

Dedicate A Week $360

Dedicate A Month $1250


🤩 Comment on this Halacha Moment and let us know how it impacted you.

0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page