The Zohar (classic text of Kabbala) comments in Parashat Vayakhel that when the Sefer Torah is taken from the ark for the public Torah reading, the heavenly "gates of compassion" are opened and God's immense love for the Jewish people is aroused. Therefore, the Zohar continues, one should recite at this auspicious moment the special "Berich Shemei" prayer, and this passage in the Zohar is the source of the custom to recite this prayer when we take the Torah from the Heichal.
The Chid"a (Rabbi Chayim Yosef David Azulai, Israel, 1724-1806) claimed that the Zohar refers only to the Shabbat services; when the Torah is taken from the Heichal during the week, "Berich Shemei" is not recited. Most Kabbalists held that "Berich Shemei" should be recited specifically during the Mincha service on Shabbat, whereas the Arizal (renowned Kabbalist, Israel, 1534-1572) recited this prayer during the Shabbat morning service, as well. The Ben Ish Chai (Rabbi Yosef Chayim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in his work of responsa, Helek 3, Sod Yesharim, Siman 8, Rav Pe'alim cited proof in support of the practice to recite "Berich Shemei" even during the week.
In any event, the practice in our community is to recite "Berich Shemei" when taking the Torah from the Heichal only on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
In the "Berich Shemei" prayer we recite, "Ana Avda De'Kudsha Berich Hu De'sagidna Kamei" ("I am a servant of the Holy One, blessed be He, who bows before Him"). Should a person bow when reciting the words "De'sagidna Kamei," in which he proclaims that he bows before God? The Kaf Ha'chayim Sofer (by Rabbi Yaakov Chayim Sofer, 1870-1939) in siman 113, seif kattan 12, ruled that one should not bow, because we are to bow only at the specific points in the Amida where the Sages ordained that we do so. We must not bow, he contends, on occasions that were not specified for this purpose by the Rabbis. Chacham Ovadia Yosef, however, ruled that one should bow his head slightly when reciting "De'sagidna Kamei." He contended that if one does not bow while reciting these words, he appears as a liar, speaking of how he bows before God when in reality he does not. Chacham Ovadia compared bowing while reciting "De'sagidna Kamei" to the widespread to custom to bow during the Aleinu prayer, when one recites, "Va'anachnu Mishtachavim Lifnei Melech Malchei Ha'melachim" ("and we bow before the King of all kings"). There, too, one must bow so as not to come across as hypocritical. (Yabia Omer, Helek 5 O"H siman 8)
If a person was praying Pesukei De'zimra when the congregation began reciting "Berich Shemei," he should not interrupt Pesukei De'zimra to join in the reciting of "Berich Shemei." He should, however, bow his head when the Chazan reaches the words "De'sagidna Kamei," in order not to give the impression that he denies this affirmation. (Halichot Olam, Helek 3, page 111.)
Later in "Berich Shemei," we say, "Ve'la Al Bar Elahin Samichna," which literally means, "I do not place my trust in sons of God." The term "sons of God" refers to angels, and we avow in this clause that we place our trust only in the Almighty Himself, and not in any other force, including the angels. However, Rabbi Yechezkel Landau of Prague (commonly known as the "Noda Be'yehuda," 1713-1793) vehemently opposed reciting this phrase, as it may be misunderstood as supporting the heretical claim that God has a child Has VeShalom. As for practical Halacha, however, one may recite this phrase. Rabbi Landau's opposition to this phrase was part of his vigorous efforts to abolish the false messianic movement of Shabtai Tzvi, and was not intended as a permanently binding Halachic ruling.
When exactly should "Berich Shemei" be recited? From the Zohar's formulation it appears that the congregation recites "Berich Shemei" as the Torah is being removed from the Heichal. Indeed, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Russia-New York, 1895-1986) in Igrot Moshe, O"H, Helek 4, siman 70, Ot 9, cites this ruling from the Sha'arei Efrayim (classic work on the laws of Torah reading by Rabbi Efrayim Zalman Margoliyot, Galicia, 1762-1828), and Rabbi Feinstein added that people should be instructed to recite "Berich Shemei" at that point. Our practice, however, is to recite "Berich Shemei" when the doors of the Heichal are opened, before the Torah is removed. (See Halichot Olam, Helek 3, page 113.)
Summary: One should ensure to recite the "Berich Shemei" prayer when the Torah is taken from the Heichal for the Torah reading. Some communities recite "Berich Shemei" whenever the Torah is taken from the Heichal, but our practice is to recite it only on Shabbat and Yom Tov. Our custom is to recite "Berich Shemei" when the doors of the Heichal are opened, before the Torah is removed, while others recite it as the Torah is being taken from the Heichal. One should bow slightly when he recites the words "De'sagidna Kamei." One who is praying Pesukei De'zimra when the congregation recites "Berich Shemei" should not interrupt Pesukei De'zimra to join their recitation, but he should bow his head when the congregation recites "De'sagidna Kamei."
