Borchu During Bentching?

Ask the Rov: I was in the middle of bentching and heard borchu from maariv. Should I answer?

By Rabbi Chaim Hillel Raskin – Rov of Anash in Petach Tikvah

During bentching, it is forbidden to greet someone or even respond to them unless there is a concern for danger. Unlike the leniencies of birchos krias shema, bentching is treated like Shmoneh Esreh with regard to interruptions because the possuk (הטובה הארץ על וברכת) implies that the three brachos — for the land, sustenance, and Yerushalayim — are to be said in one uninterrupted sequence.¹

The Kaf Hachaim rules that it is similarly forbidden during bentching to respond to devarim shebikdusha (borchu, kedusha).² The Ketzos Hashulchan questions this prohibition based on the allowance to answer amen to the zimun leader at the conclusion of each bracha.³ However, many counter that the amen after a bracha is considered to be a part of the bracha’s ending. The custom is to be stringent and not answer.⁴

The fourth bracha of bentching was instituted by the Chachomim and essentially concludes at “al y’chasreinu” (after that is a minhag⁵). Some acharonim question whether one may answer during the fourth bracha. However, according to the Alter Rebbe, it is allowed like during other long brachos (e.g., asher yatzar, Boruch She’amar), and it isn’t included in the sequence requirement of the first three brachos.⁶

In Ya’aleh V’yavo, participants traditionally answer amen when the leader concludes, “l’tova,” “livracha,” and “l’chayim tovim.” The Rebbe explains that this minhag is based on the practice of the Rebbe Rashab and a clear directive from the Frierdiker Rebbe, and these amens are no worse than asking for a knife or salt between hamotzi and eating which are technically not considered interruptions.⁷

Elsewhere, the Rebbe writes that these amens may only be said “between the sections, or at the end of this (third) bracha.”⁸ Some understand this to mean only after concluding uv’nei Yerushalayim, while some interpret this to include also anywhere in Ya’aleh V’yavo, between the section ending “l’olem vaed” and the section beginning “uv’nei.”⁹

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From The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash