Q. While davening Pesukei Dezimra, I was approached by a dignified Meshulach collecting Tzedaka. I gave him a nice donation and he reciprocated by giving me a beautiful brocho. Could I answer amen then to his blessing?
A. On a similar question (2545) regarding a Gabai that goes around the shul with a pushka during Pesukei Dezimara (by Vaiborech Dovid) to collect Tzedaka for the shul. He often says Yasher Koach or thank you to the givers and he argues that it is not a Hefsek or interruption, since he is only responding to their giving, we wrote:
“Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 51: 5) rules that in the middle of the psalms of Pesukei Dezimra it is prohibited to greet someone deserving to be honored, but it is permitted to answer to that person, when he greeted us.
However, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that thanking for a donation received, is not considered to be a response to a salute. (The Rabbi should explain this Halacha in his teachings, so the people will not expect a thank you then).
The Rov added that the Gabai may attach a noticeable thank-you note to the pushka and point to it if necessary.”
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in our case it is enough to signal thanks with one’s hand.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.