Sunday, May 18, 2008

The Baal Keriah's "Amen"

Hi,

Many readers are probably familiar with the traditional, extended "Ah-maaaay-ayn" sung by the baal keriah before beginning to read the aliyah.

There is a halachic purpose for this tuneful response to the pre-aliyah berachah: The baal keriah is not permitted to begin the aliyah until all "Amen" responses are done, so that people will be able to listen, so this warns the congregation that the aliyah is about to begin.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 141:5; Mishneh Berurah 141:17)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

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