Netilas Yadayim - Hefsek (Cont'd)

QUESTION: After washing netilas yadayim, while waiting to recite Hamotzi, I hear a beracha (such as netilas yadayim) being said. Should I answer Amen, or is this a hefsek (interruption)?

ANSWER: The Gemara (Berachos 52b) states that immediately following netilas yadayim one should begin their meal. Shulchan Aruch (OC 166:1) cites two opinions as to the meaning of this Gemara. The first opinion is that one may not involve themselves in other activities, but it is not necessary to rush and recite Hamotzi. (The Mishnah Berurah adds that according to this opinion, one may even speak a few words, as long as the person will not be sidetracked.) The second opinion is that one must recite hamotzi immediately, and all forms of delay or speech are prohibited. Shulchan Aruch concludes that it is best to be strict and follow the second opinion. The language of the Shulchan Aruch implies that the basic halacha follows the first opinion, but it is preferable to be strict in accordance with the second opinion. However, the Bach and Magen Avrohom (166:1) write that the halacha follows the second opinion.

Teshuvos Toras Yekusiel (OC 1:25) writes that whether one may answer Amen to a beracha would depend on this disagreement. According to the first opinion (which the Shulchan Aruch follows), one is required to answer Amen, since it is technically permissible to speak while waiting for Hamotzi. (Although the Shulchan Aruch writes that it is best to follow the second opinion and not talk, that is stringency which is overridden by the obligation to answer Amen.) On the other hand, according to the Bach and Magen Avrohom who follow the second opinion and consider a conversation to be a hefsek, answering Amen is not permitted. Toras Yekusiel concludes that the halacha follows the Magen Avrohom, and one should not answer Amen. Yabia Omer (OC 8:20) disagrees strongly with this psak. He brings proofs that answering Amen at this time is not considered a hefsek, even according to the Magen Avrohom. The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (41:2) writes explicitly that one may answer Amen between netilas yadayim and Hamotzi, and this is the opinion of many other poskim as well.

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