Sunday 21 July 2013

Repeating Words in Davening

Question: I davened in a shul and the chazan repeated a number of words in chazaras hashatz. Should I have said something to him?

Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 33b) teaches that we must silence one who repeats modim. The Gemara explains that one who does so, appears like they are praying to two authorities, G-d forbid. Likewise, one must not repeat shema (see Shulchan Aruch OC 121:2; 68:9).

The Maharam Schick (OC 31) writes that this prohibition extends to other parts of davening too, giving five reasons for why one must not repeat words, including the transgression of bal tosif, adding onto mitzvos. Adding words can be both lying and a hefsek, an interruption. He adds that the Tur often explains the significance to the number of words in various tefillos (see Tur OC 51; 113; 114; 582).

R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 2:22) stresses that a chazan must not repeat words during chazaras hashatz even when one is not distorting the meaning of the words (see Shemesh Marpei OC 4).

The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 338:8) notes that this issue is an old one and it is difficult to change old habits. Nonetheless, we should be careful not to condemn widespread Jewish practices.

In conclusion, one should avoid repeating words, particularly in berachos and pesukim. Nonetheless, while it may be appropriate for the Rabbi of the shul to speak to the chazan, others should not criticize him.

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