The Reader's Repetition, Kedusha, Birkat Cohanim and Avinu Malkeinu

Richard B. Aiken

Amida: Reader's Repetition

Standing for Reader's Repetition of Amida

Ashkenazim commonly stand for the entire reader's repetition of the amida, but it is not the universal custom.

Adonai Sifatai by Prayer Leader

The prayer leader should say Adonai sifatai… quietly before saying the reader's repetition of the amida out loud.

Ki Shem by Prayer Leader

The prayer leader should not say ki shem... at all since some people have the custom of not ever saying ki shem... .

Amida: Reader's Repetition: Replying

Replying during Your Private Amida

If you have finished the amida's yihiyu l'ratzon (but have not yet finished the segment from Elohai netzur through u'chshanim kadmoniyot), you may reply to:

  • Bar'chu,
  • Kedusha,
  • Amen to ha'el ha'kadosh,
  • Amen to shomei'a tefila,
  • Modim anachnu lach (just those 3 words),
  • Birkat cohanim, and
  • Kaddish.

However, you may not say anything else (such as other amens) until you have completed the entire amida (including the last word, kadmoniot).

Amida: Reader's Repetition: Kedusha

Say Minyan's Version of Kedusha

At a minyan with a custom different from yours, say their version of kedusha.

Bowing for Kara Zeh El Zeh

Some people bow from side to side for kara zeh el zeh ... but it is not required.

Amida: Reader's Repetition: Priestly Blessing (Birkat Cohanim)

Birkat Cohanim: Pausing in Private Amida

When the priests/cohanim begin the Priestly Blessing (birkat cohanim), you must pause when saying your private amida and wait until they finish before continuing your praying.

Birkat Cohanim: Seeing Each Other

A cohen/priest does not need to see the congregants and they do not need to see him during birkat cohanim. Birkat cohanim is effective even if you are outside the synagogue when you hear it.  But if you are at the front of the synagogue such that you would be behind the cohanim when they turn to face the congregation and say the blessing, you should move far enough so the cohanim will be facing you during the blessing.

Birkat Cohanim: Looking at Priests'/Cohanim's Hands

No one should look at the priests'/cohanim's hands while the cohanim say the Priestly Blessing (birkat cohanim).

Birkat Cohanim: Talit over Child's Head

It is a custom for fathers to cover their sons' heads with their talit while the priests/cohanim bless the congregation.

Reason: So the boys do not to look at the Divine Presence (shechina) present at the priests'/cohanim's fingertips at that time.

Note: The priests'/cohanim's hands should be covered by a talit anyway.

Note: This custom applies to ANY TIME the priests/cohanim say birkat cohanim, whether on:

  • Jewish festivals (the only time the priests/cohanim say this blessing outside of Eretz Yisrael), or
  • Daily (as is done in Eretz Yisrael).

Birkat Cohanim: Priest/Cohen in the Room

If a priest/cohen is in the room during the Priestly Blessing (birkat cohanim), he must bless the non-cohanim. If he will not say the blessing, he must leave the room immediately after modim.

What To Pray: Set Prayers: Avinu Malkeinu to Psalms

Introduction to Avinu Malkeinu

It was not traditional for women or girls to say any of shacharit after the amida, other than saying alenu.

When To Say Avinu Malkeinu

Say avinu malkeinu, even if you are praying by yourself, after amida of shacharit and mincha on:

  • Public fast days, and
  • Between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

Avinu Malkeinu on Tzom Gedalia

On Tzom Gedalia, in avinu malkeinu, say katveinu (not zachreinu).

Copyright 2015 Richard B. Aiken. Halacha L’Maaseh appears courtesy of www.practicalhalacha.com Visit their web site for more information.