56 Responding to the Kaddish

Question 1

Is Kavenah important for responding in the Kaddish יהא שמה רבא מברך

Answer 1

Yes. 56.1

MB, Shabbat 119b Someone who says the line “with all his might” will have his sentence torn up from him.

Question 2

Can one talk during the Kaddish?

Answer 2

No. MB, 56.1

You shouldn’t even think about words of Torah.

Question 3

Can one talk during the Kedusha?

Answer 3

No. MB 56.1

You shouldn’t even think about words of Torah.

Question 4

When responding to the Kaddish, should you pause between the words יהא שמה רבה and מברך?

Answer 4

No. Gloss on 56.1

Question 5

Should we stand during Kaddish?

Answer 5

Gloss on 56.1 - yes
MB – stand until after you say יהא שמה רבה מברך
MB – some authorities say that you are not required to stand, but if you are standing you can’t sit down until you say אמן. יהא שמה רבה מברך
MB – The Ari would stand for the kaddish after the Amidah. For the Kaddish Titkabel that is said after Torah is returned he would respond and sit.

Question 6

Should a late comer respond to the Kaddish?

Answer 6

Yes, even if he missed he first half. 56.1

Question 7

Does the shatz have to repeat the line יהא שמה רבה

Answer 7

yes 56.1

Question 8

When should the chazan bow?

Answer 8

56.4  In five places, when he says :
יתגדל
יהא שמה רבא
יתברך
בריך הוא
and  אמן

Question 9

When do you take three steps back?

Answer 9

At the end of the Kaddish, before you say עושה שלום … 56.5