Weekly Halacha Yomit: Kitzur Shulchan Aruch

The Kitzur (in 6:8-11) tells us about the laws surrounding the reciting of the word "Amen". We are told specifically (6:8) that:

Every blessing one hears from another [person]… when [he] finishes the blessing, one should say ''Amen''. The meaning of ''Amen'' is ''it is true''. One should concentrate in his heart that the blessing is true, which the one blessing, blessed, and that we believe (explicitly) in it.

The meaning given by the Kitzur of 'Amen' is emet or 'truth'. It is interesting that this is the meaning given, as it does not tally directly with what the Gemara teaches us:

Resh Lakish said: He who responds 'Amen' with all his might, has the gates of Gan Eden opened for him, as it is written, "Open the gates, so that a righteous nation, which keep the truth [shomer emunim], may enter". Don’t read 'shomer emunim' rather 'she'omrim amen' [who say 'amen']. What does 'amen' mean? — Said R. Hanina: El Melech Ne'eman (God, faithful King). (Shabbat 119b)

The (undisputed) understanding of this Gemara is that the meaning of Amen is 'El Melech Ne'eman' which means 'God, faithful King'. In addition, the first letters of this phrase make up the word 'Amen'. Indeed, this meaning is even brought down in Halacha:

One should not say a short amen but a slightly long one, [long enough] that one can say "El Melech Ne'eman". (my emphasis) And one should not say it too long because the word is not heard when one lengthens it too much. (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 124:8)

So the length of saying 'Amen' should equal that of the phrase we are told has the same meaning. What about the meaning? Why has the Kitzur told us it means 'truth'? The root of the word 'Amen' has multiple possible meanings

including "to believe, to trust, to care, to be faithful."
[Understanding Jewish Prayer, Koren-Sacks Siddur, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks]

Whatever the meaning, the different explanations all lead us to the conclusion that

(1) we believe this to be true, or (2) we associate ourselves with what has been said.
[ibid]

It is primarily an affirmation of what has just been said. The strength of the word Amen cannot be underestimated. Not only did we see earlier in the Gemara that the recitation of the word Amen can open the gates to Gan Eden, but we further learn (one opinion holds) that

One who responds "Amen" after a blessing surpasses the one who recites the blessing (Berachos 53b).

Our response of Amen has much meaning and is certainly of strength and power – but what is it's true function? Is it merely to involve the congregation at regular intervals so they don’t get bored or fall asleep? We know, from the Halachic sources, that if someone does not understand the prayers, or is unable to pray themselves, then by answering Amen they can fulfil their obligation of prayer. But what is the deeper meaning?

In general, liturgical responses form an essential link between the Leader and congregation, turning a prayer on behalf of the community into one assented to by the community. (original emphasis)
[Understanding Jewish Prayer, Koren-Sacks Siddur, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks]

This is an, possibly the, essential point of the word Amen regarding communal prayer. Regarding an individual's blessings, we are saying 'we agree' as we explained above. But regarding communal prayer, there is an additional element – that of joining together in prayer. The prayer offered is no longer one of the Leader with the congregation sitting listening to his prayer, but it becomes the entire community's prayer, with the Leader merely guiding the people. The word 'Amen' therefore has a huge potential for joining together spiritually. Anyone who has experienced the 'Amen' of the tens of thousands gathered at the Kotel at the twice-yearly Birkat Kohanim can perhaps begin to understand this idea to some extent.

Maybe we should all attempt to concentrate a bit more when we say the word 'Amen' in the future. We never know the power it may have.

If you have any comments or feedback, please email daniel@worldmizrachi.org.

• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with English linear translation: http://www.geocities.com/yona_n.geo/index.html
• Hebrew Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with nekudot: http://www.kitzur.net
• Hebrew Kitzur Shulchan Aruch without nekudot: http://www.shofar.net/Content/Kitzur_Shulchan.htm?id=5417
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch project, calendars and order books: http://www.kitzuryomi.org/
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with Misgeret HaShulchan: http://www.hebrewbooks.org/9214
• Kitzur Shulchan Aruch with She'arim Ha'Metzuyanim B'Halachah:
  • Part 1 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14621
  • Part 2 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14622
  • Part 3 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14619
  • Part 4 - http://www.hebrewbooks.org/14620
• Selected chapters grouped by theme: http://www.torah.org/learning/halacha/
• New Artscroll Kitzur Shulchan Aruch. Sample available at: http://www.artscroll.com/Books/ksa1.html