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What is the exact meaning of amen and where does the word come from?

David H.
(Via E-Mail)

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Last week, we noted that though generally one never answers amen to one’s own berachah, there is an exception according to the Mechaber: after the last in a series of two or more berachot that are semuchot (connected), e.g., Boneh Yerushalayim in Birkat Hamazon. The berachah at the conclusion of Hallel is another example. The Rema disagrees and limits answering amen to one’s own berachah to Boneh Yerushalayim.

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For a deeper understanding of the word amen and its efficacy, we refer to a passage in the Gemara (Shabbos 119b) which quotes R’ Joshua b. Levi as saying, “Whoever says ‘Amen, yehei shmei rabba mevorach…’ with all his might has his decrees [if harsh] torn up.” To support this statement, the Gemara quotes Judges 5:2, “Bifroa pera’ot b’Yisrael b’hitnadev am bor’chu Hashem – When retribution was annulled in Israel, for that the people offered themselves willingly, bless Hashem.” Why is retribution annulled? Because they blessed Hashem.

The Gemara then quotes R. Chiyya b. Abba who said in the name of R. Yochanan: “Even if the person has a taint of idolatry, he is forgiven, since here is written, ‘Bifroa pera’ot – When retribution was annulled,’ and elsewhere Scripture states, ‘Vayar Moshe et ha’am ki parua hu ki pra’oh Aharon l’shimtza b’komeihem – Moses saw the people, that it was exposed, for Aaron had exposed their taint [of idolatry in serving the Golden Calf] to those that rise up against them’ (Exodus 32:25).”

There is a dispute between Rashi and Tosafot (ad loc. Shabbos 119b) as to what is meant “with all his might.” Rashi (sv b’chol kocho”) explains that it means with great intention/concentration. Tosafot (svkol ha’oneh…”) explain that it means with a loud voice.

The Gemara states further, “Resh Lakish said: He who says amen with all his might has the gates of Paradise opened for him, as Scripture states, ‘Pitchu she’arim, v’yavo goy tzaddik shomer emunim – Open the gates so the righteous nation, keeper of the faith, may enter’ (Isaiah 26:2). Read not ‘shomer emunim,’ but rather ‘she’omrim amen.’”

The Gemara asks: “What does amen mean?” R. Chanina responds that it stands for “Kel melech ne’eman – G-d, faithful king.” By responding amen one is attesting that his creator is G-d, a faithful king.

Returning to Tosafot’s view that one should say “amen, yehei shmei rabba…” with all one’s might, he presumably does not mean that one should scream these words since the Gemara clearly states elsewhere (Berachot 45a): R. Chanan said, “From where do we know that one who says amen should not say it louder than the blessing one is responding to? From Psalms 34:4, which states, ‘Gadlu laShem iti u’neromema shmo yachdav – Declare the greatness of Hashem with me and let us exalt His name together.’”

Rather, Tosafot means that one should say it as loud as the person who uttered the blessing. Unfortunately, many err in this regard and scream when they say amen. They should heed of R. Chanan’s sage words.

(To be continued)

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Rabbi Yaakov Klass is Rav of K’hal Bnei Matisyahu in Flatbush; Torah Editor of The Jewish Press; and Presidium Chairman, Rabbinical Alliance of America/Igud HaRabbonim.