#150 Answering “Amein, Y’hei Shemei Rabbah”
When hearing Kaddish, one should answer, “Amein y’hei Shemei rabah” out loud, bechol kocho, with all of one’s might, which is explained as bechol koach kavanaso, with all the concentration that a person can muster. When a person does so, if chas vesholom there is a decree against them, even a decree which is called g’zar din shel shivim shanah, a decree for seventy years, it is totally nullified. However, it should not be said too loudly, because it may lead to ridicule. Rather, it should be said aloud in a normal tone of voice, but with intense kavanah, concentration. The word mevorach should be said directly after amein y’hei Shemei rabah; it does not have to be said in the same breath, but it is a continuation of what was just said and means that Hashem’s great Name should be blessed. One should make sure to hear the words yisgadal ve’yiskadash Shemei rabah, as amein y’hei Shemei rabah is a response to yisgadal ve’yiskadash: we are responding that indeed His great Name should be blessed. Even if a person says amein y’hei Shemei rabah louder than the person reciting the Kaddish, it is alright; what is imperative is that it be said out loud and with great kavanah.