May one answer Amen to the brocha of Ahavah Rabba?

Shulchon Aruch rules that one should not answer Amen when the chazan finishes the brocha of Ahavah Rabba (Ahavas Olam). As in the case of a classic brocha over a mitzvah, where it is forbidden to interrupt between the brocha and the fulfillment of the mitzvah, interrupting between Ahavah Rabbah and Shema is problematic. In his view, it is also better not to answer Amen when the chazan finishes the first brocha (Yotzer Ohr). To avoid answering, he should try to finish the brocha along with the chazan. If he does not, he may still answer to the brocha of Yotzer Ohr.

סימן נט, סעיף ד, ס"ק כד וביה"ל ד"ה ולא

Do Birchos Kriyas Shema belong in the category of birchos hamitzvah?

Rema maintains that one should answer Amen to Ahavah Rabba. In his view, the brochos of Kriyas Shema are not brachos on the mitzvah of saying Kriyas Shema. If they were, the text would have been similar to a typical birchos hamitzvah. Although the halacha follows this view, in deference to the first opinion one should complete the brocha along with the chazan to avoid having to answer Amen. One should not answer Amen to any brocha other than Ahavah Rabba at that point in davening.



סימן נט, סעיף ד וס"ק כה; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 2

When is an opportune time to daven for good children?

The Gemara mentions two opinions about whether the brocha before Kriyas Shema should start with Ahavah Rabba or Ahavas Olam. Communities which follow minhag Ashkenaz say Ahavah Rabba in the morning and Ahavas Olam at night. The significance of saying Ahava Rabba in the morning is based on a pasuk which states chadoshim labkorim rabba emunasecha. During this brocha, parents should beseech Hakodosh Boruch Hu to grant them children who learn Torah, are tzadikim and have fine middos. These thoughts should be kept in mind when saying the words Avinu Av Harachaman.

סימן ס, ס"ק א-ב ביאורים ומוספים דרשו 1

• A person can be yotzei a brocha by listening to another person who is reciting it. Some brochos, such as Birchos Kriyas Shema, may only be fulfilled by listening when they are recited with a minyan. The poskim disagree about whether a similar halacha applies to Birchos Hashachar. The custom is to be stringent, except when a person is not sure if he is obligated in a particular brocha and he needs to hear it from someone else in order to be yotzei.

• In earlier times, it was customary for only the chazan to say Birchos Kriyas Shema and for the tzibur to be yotzei by listening. It is quoted that the Rosh personally abstained from this practice and said the brochos himself.

• A davar shebekedusha may only be said with a minyan of ten men. The Rishonim disagree about whether the Kedusha mentioned during Birchos Kriyas Shema is subject to this halacha. Some say that it is, while others say that it is only narrating the Kedusha of the malachim and is not a Kedusha on our part. 

• Must Kriyas Shema be said along with its brochos?

• Is intent necessary for a mitzvah?

• Is kavanah necessary when eating matzah?