Birkat Hamazon: Difference between revisions

# One shouldn’t interrupt Birkat HaMazon at all to answer or greet someone.<ref>S”A 183:8 writes that some say that in regards to greeting or answering someone Birkat HaMazon is judged like [[Shemona Esreh]] when one doesn't interrupt to answer anyone. Halacha Brurah 183:28 writes that this opinion quoted in Shulchan Aruch is accepted as Halacha. The Mishna Brurahh 183:1 explains that Birkat HaMazon is similar to [[Shemona Esreh]] in that it may only be said in one place and not while one is moving. </ref>

# According to Ashkenazim, one should finish before the mezamen (the one who lead the [[Zimmun]]) finishes each Bracha so that one can answer [[Amen]] to his Bracha, however, the Sephardic minhag is not to answer [[Amen]] during Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Halacha Brurah 183:27</ref>

# One shouldn't interrupt in the first three [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon to answer [[Kaddish]], [[Kedusha]], or [[Barchu]]. However, in the middle of the fourth Bracha one may answer [[Kaddish]] or [[Kedusha]] as long as one already said Baruch Atta Hashem Elokenu Melech HaOlam and part of the middle of the Bracha.<ref>Yabia Omer 1:11, Yalkut Yosef 183:5</ref>

# It is proper not to interrupt in middle of the Harachaman section of Birkat HaMazon. However, according to the strict halacha it is permissible to interrupt at that point, yet if one is [[making Birkat HaMazon over wine]] one shouldn't interrupt.<ref>Yalkut Yosef O.C. 183:1 (vol 3, p 265). <br>

The Ben Ish Chai (Chukat Halacha 18) writes that it is forbidden to speak about mundance matters, and adds that this is especially true if one plans to say birkat hamazon Al Hakos (with a cup of wine).</ref>

# It is permissible to answer [[Kaddish]], [[Kedusha]], or [[Amen]] to a Bracha in the Harachaman section of Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (vol 3, p 265)</ref>

# One should sit during Birkat HaMazon whether one ate while seated or standing for at least the four [[Brachot]] of Birkat HaMazon.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 183:9, Mishna Brurah 183:31, Tosafot [[Berachot]] 51b, Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 84, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 44:6. Shulchan Aruch mentions that it should be recited sitting in order to have the proper intent and one shouldn't be lying down but rather it should be recite with awe.</ref>

# One should recite Birkat HaMazon loud enough that one can hear oneself say the words, however if one said it quietly one fulfills one’s obligation as long as one enunciated the words with one’s lips and didn’t just read or think it.<ref>S”A 185:2, Mishna Brurah 185:2, Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 94, Mikor Chaim 101:2. Birkei Yosef 185:2 as well as the Shaare Teshuva 185:1 say in the name of the Sefer Charedim that if you cannot hear yourself most poskim hold that you didn't fulfill your obligation and based on that the Chesed La'alafim 185:1 and Ben Ish Chai Chukat 7 says that you should eat more bread and say [[birkat hamazon]]. However, Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Chazon Ovadia [[Berachot]] page 94-95 says this is based on a mistaken understanding of the sefer charedim and most poskim including rif, rambam, rosh, behag, sheiltot, eshkol, Smag, Raah, Meir, Ra'avyah, Or Zarua, Rabbeinu Yerucham, Orchot Chayim, Riaz, Tur and Shulchan Aruch all hold that you have fulfilled your obligation as long as you enunciated the words with your lips and therefore you wouldn't need to go back to eat more bread. </ref>

# It’s better to say Birkat HaMazon out loud in order to inspire having proper intent and also because on [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] it’ll help ensure that one doesn’t forget to add the appropriate paragraphs.<ref>Mishna Brurah 185:3 </ref>