Week of Shabbat Nachamu
August 7, 2003

Kaddish V

“Amen Yehai Shmay Raba Mevorach Leolam Uleolmay Olmayah – May it be that G-d’s great and blessed name be revealed in this world and all throughout the universe!” This is the pinnacle of the Kaddish. Our sages remark, “ All who answer Amen Yehay.. with all of their strength negate any harmful heavenly decrees that may await them. The commentators explain that this means one should answer with all of their heart and concentration; not only with the power of their vocal chords.

This phrase corresponds to the opening sentence in Kaddish when the leader chants Yisgadal Veyiskadash - May His great name be fully revealed. It is at this moment in the Kaddish that the congregation answers collectively in response to the opening words of the leader.

The sefer – Matteh Moshe reveals a frightening story about a wise elder of a community that died and came to a student of his in a dream. The wise elder looked pained and there were ugly stains on his forehead. The student asked hesitantly, “Rebbe – what happened to you? Why do you look so withered?” The teacher answered, “ Because I was not careful not to speak during the Kaddish prayer.” The Shulchan Aruch writes in Orach Chaim 54:1 that one should run to be able to listen and answer to a Kaddish.

An eyewitness has told me that before the war in Europe when the Chazzan began the Kaddish it was answered with a thundering AMEN. Stating Amen is an affirmation that we believe and have strong hope that our prayers will be answered.
Good prayer begins with a good set of Amens.

In Masechet Sofrim 18:6 it states that parents should take their children to shul and teach them how to respond Amen to Kaddish, say Kedushah, and Borchu. Shuls today are providing day care, childrens programs, and even junior congregations- but are parents teaching their children how to say “Amen Yehay Shmay Rabbah with all of their might?!

As we approach the saddest day of the year Tisha Bav and look for comfort in the days ahead-let us strengthen our commitment to saying Amen properly. Let us teach it to our children directly and by example. And in the merit of our efforts may we see the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the coming of Moshiach.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Ephraim Epstein
rabbiepstein@sonsisrael.com

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