Chapter 6 – Benedictions, etc.

6.1) Before uttering a benediction, you must ascertain which benediction you need to say so that when you mention G-d’s name, you are aware of the benediction’s conclusion. You must not engage in any other activity when uttering a benediction and you must not utter it in a habitual manner.

6.2) When uttering benedictions, your mouth must be free from everything (including saliva)

6.3) Do not mention the name of G-d in vain.

6.4) Do not create an occasion where you feel the need to mention G-d’s name in vain. If you utter it accidently, then follow the utterance by saying, “blessed be His name for ever and ever.” Or say, “teach me Thy statutes.”

6.5) After speaking a benediction over water, if you become aware of a recent death near the water, precaution would dictate throwing the water out; however, you should first taste some of the water so that the benediction is not in vain. Drink a little of the water and then spill out the balance so as not to waste the prayer.

6.6) If you are in doubt as to whether or not you said any of the benedictions (except Grace), you are not bound to repeat them.

6.7) According to a law enacted by King David, you should say at least 100 benedictions per day. The numerical value of certain blessings equals 100, or nearly 100. Review these to comply with this law.

6.8) If you hear a neighbor saying benedictions, you must say, “blessed be He and blessed be His name” on hearing the Name and you must say, “amen” at the conclusion. “Amen” means “it is true” and when you say, “amen,” you should have sincere agreement in your mind.

6.9) Some blessings are not to be interrupted. Refer to the source for details.

6.10) Be careful to say “amen” correctly, not too quickly, not before the end of the benediction, not too far after the benediction, and not louder than the reader.

6.11) You need not respond with “amen” after your own reading or benediction, or even if you end the same benediction in unison with a reader. (There are a few exceptions to this law. See source for details, or consult a rabbi.)