Chapter 15: 4-6
Laws Pertaining to Kaddish
4. All ten people, among them the chazon,must be in the same place.
However, if some are in one room and others in a second room,* they may not
be counted together even though there is an open entrance between them.
Even if the majority of the minyan are in the synagogue and the minority
are in the courtyard before the synagogue, they are not included together
with the majority to be counted with them.
* {However, if one room is divided with a curtain, the people standing on
either side may be counted as part of the minyan. Similarly, leniency can
be observed to include people in two separate rooms if they can see each
other (Mishnoh Beruroh 55:48,49,57, Shulchon Oruch HoRav 55:16).}
Even those standing at the entrance - i.e. within the doorway, but outside
the door in a place where if the door were closed, they would be outside -
are, nevertheless, considered as being outside even when the door is opened.
The above applies with regard to including them as part of the ten required
for a minyan. However, if there were ten within the synagogue and Kaddish,
Borchu, or Kedushoh is recited, anyone who hears their voices should
answer, even if they are separated by several houses, for even a barrier of
iron cannot separate between Israel and their Father in heaven. The above
applies provided that there is neither feces or an idol where one is standing.
5. One should take great care to hear Kaddish and reply to it with proper
concentration. This surely applies to Amen; Y'hei Shmei rabboh..., where
proper concentration is required. Whenever someone answers Amen; Y'hei
Shmei rabboh... with all of his strength and concentration, seventy years'
worth of severe heavenly decrees are nullified.
The above response should be recited in a loud voice, for this voice will
break down all accusing forces and negate all harsh decrees. Nevertheless,
it should not be recited in a very loud voice, lest it cause other people
to laugh and thus cause them to sin.
Amen; Y'hei Shmei rabboh... should be recited together with the word,
yisborach. Afterwards, the chazon repeats this refrain, and it is customary
to answer "Amen."*
* {The Ramoh (Orach Chayim 56:2) states that it is customary not to recite
"Amen" in this instance.}
6. Certain opinions maintain that it is not necessary to stand while
Kaddish is being recited. However, during every Kaddish which [follows a
prayer that is recited while] standing - e.g., the Kaddish after Hallel -
one should remain standing until after Amen; Y'hei Shmei rabboh.... Other
opinions maintain that it is always necessary to stand for Kaddish and all
other holy matters.
It is possible to support the latter opinion by comparison to Eglon, King
of Moab. [Judges 3:20] relates how "Ehud came to him... and Ehud told
him... I have a word of G-d for you, and [Eglon] arose from his throne." If
an idolater, Eglon, the King of Moab, rose for the word of G-d, surely, we,
His people, should do the same. Therefore, it is proper to follow the more
stringent view.*
* {The Mishnoh Beruroh 56:8 relates that the Ari zal would stand for all
the Kaddishim.}
