Amen: Difference between revisions
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Chazal instituted that whenever a person hear a bracha he should answer Amen to acknowledge his assent of that bracha. Chazal viewed the recitation of Amen very highly. In fact, Chazal tell us that responding Amen is of greater significance than reciting the bracha. The failure to recite Amen is considered a gross transgression, while responding Amen with great concentration opens the gates of Gan Eden. <ref>Gemara Brachot 53b, Chaye Adam (Klal 6:1), Gemara Shabbat 119b, Rashi Shabbat 119b s.v. BeChol</ref> The letters of Amen are the root letters of the word Emunah, belief or trust. By responding Amen one declares: "I believe in the bracha that I have just heard and I affirm its truth." Additionally, when responding Amen one should have in mind the beginning of the bracha, "Baruch Atta Hashem", that Hashem's name is Blessed.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 124:6, Mishna Brurah 124:24</ref> | |||
==When to Answer Amen== | ==When to Answer Amen== | ||
