Q. According to Minhag Ashkenaz, at the end of Birkas HaMazon, we say “HoRachamon Hu Yishlach Lanu Es Eliyah HaNavi Zachur LaTov, Vivoreich Osanu Kol Echad V’Echad Mimenu Bishmo.”
What is the meaning of the phrase after the comma, especially the significance of the word “Bishmo”?
A. Siddur Tzilusso DeAvrohom (p. 544) quotes from Seder Hashulchan the above nussach in the name of Mahara’n. It is also the nusach of the Kol Bo, Siddur Horokeach, Seder Avodas Yisroel (p. 560) and a number of Pesach Haggados.
However, Kitzur Hasheloh refutes this nusach since we do not find that Eliahu Hanavi will come to bless us.
The meaning of “Mimenu Bishmo” could refer to uttering a blessing using Hashem’s name, as is often done.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it relates to the name of the individual being blessed, as the brochos are very sensitive to the name and status of the one receiving them. This may also pertain to the interpretation of “Ki chazak hu mimenu” (Bamidbar 13: 21), whether it refers to the people or to Hashem (Sotah 35a).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a