The Poskim address the question as to the proper pronunciation of the word "Shemeh" in the "Yeheh Shemeh Rabba" response to Kaddish – whether or not the Heh at the end of the word has a Dagesh (dot), which would turn it into a "Mapik Heh." Whereas a regular Heh at the end of the word is silent, a "Mapik Heh" is pronounced as an "H" sound. Does one pronounce the Heh at the end of "Shemeh" as a "Mapik Heh," or as a silent Heh?
Some Poskim assert that this question hinges on the interpretation of the phrase "Yeheh Shemeh Rabba Mebarach." As discussed in an earlier installment in this series, the simple interpretation of this phrase is "May the great Name be blessed." The Mahzor Vitri, however, explained that in this response, we pray that the Name of G-d, which, in our current state of exile, has only two letters – Yod and Heh – should become "Rabba" – great. According to this reading, the word "Shemeh" actually means "Shem Yod-Heh" (the Name of Yod-Heh), in which case the Heh at the end of the word must be pronounced as a "Mapik Heh." According to the first understanding, however, the Heh is silent.
If so, then since we accept the first reading, it would seem that we should say "Shemeh" with a silent Heh at the end.
However, other Poskim disagree, and claim that according to both interpretations of "Yeheh Shemeh Rabba," the rules of Hebrew grammar dictate that the Heh at the end "Shemeh" receives a Dagesh. This is the view accepted by Hacham Ovadia Yosef. In practice, therefore, one should pronounce "Shemeh" with a "Mapik Heh" at the end, with an "H" sound.
When responding "Yeheh Shemeh Rabba Mebarach," one must ensure to say "Mebarach" and not "Meborach." In Hebrew, the word for "blessed" is "Meborach," but in Aramaic – the language of the Kaddish text – the word is "Mebarach."
Summary: When responding "Yeheh Shemeh Rabba Mebarach" to Kaddish, the word "Shemeh" should be pronounced with a "Mapik Heh" at the end – meaning, the Heh at the end of the word should be expressed with an "H" sound. One must ensure to say "Mebarach" and not "Meborach."