Responding to 'Barchu' During the Recitation of Shema and Its Blessings
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Question
Hello, A person praying in a 'fast' Maariv minyan knows that if he starts with the congregation at 'Barchu', the congregation will reach the Amidah while he is still in the Shema or its blessings. Therefore, he starts a few minutes earlier. Once he begins, during the Shema, the congregation says 'Barchu'. Should he: 1. Stand up? 2. Respond to 'Barchu'? Does the answer change if he is in the blessings before/after the Shema?
Answer
Hello,
It is permissible to respond to 'Barchu' even in the middle of the Shema, and certainly during the blessings.
It is also permissible to stand.
The Sephardic custom is not to stand for 'Barchu'.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 66, Seif 3.
Shulchan Aruch, Siman 146, Mishnah Berurah, Seif Katan 18. Kaf HaChaim there.