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Talking While Hearing Havdalah

Question

If someone talks during the Havdalah blessing that someone else is reciting, does he need to say Havdalah again for himself, or can he still fulfill his obligation?

Answer

If he heard the Havdalah, it is fine.

Sources

The Gemara in Sukkah 38b teaches the principle that one who hears is like one who recites (shomea k’oneh). Rabbi Chiya bar Abba rules that if someone “heard and did not answer, he has fulfilled his obligation.” What counts is hearing the blessing, not reciting or responding.

The Shulchan Aruch likewise states that listeners “fulfill their obligation by their hearing, when they intend to be covered by him, even if they did not answer amen.” So someone who heard the Havdalah has fulfilled his obligation.

  • Gemara Sukkah 38b — shomea k’oneh: one who heard and did not answer has fulfilled his obligation
  • Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 213:2 — listeners fulfill their obligation through hearing with intent, even without answering amen

Author

Rabbi Shay Tahan

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