Question: I recently davened in a shul where the chazan repeated several words during chazaras hashatz. Should I have said something to him?
Answer: The Mishna (Berachos 33b) instructs us to silence
someone who repeats the word modim. The Gemara explains that doing so
could create the impression of addressing two authorities, G-d forbid.
Similarly, the repetition of shema is prohibited (see Shulchan Aruch, OC
121:2; 68:9).
The Maharam Schick (OC
31) extends this prohibition to other parts of davening and provides
five reasons why repeating words is problematic. These include the potential
violation of bal tosif, adding to the mitzvos. Furthermore,
inserting additional words can amount to falsehood and cause a hefsek
(interruption). He also highlights how the Tur (OC 51; 113; 114; 582) often
underscores the deliberate number of words in various tefillos.
R’ Moshe Feinstein
(Igros Moshe OC 2:22) emphasises that a chazan must refrain from
repeating words during chazaras hashatz, even if the repetitions do not alter the meaning of
the tefilla (see Shemesh Marpei OC 4).
The Aruch Hashulchan (OC
338:8) notes that this issue has persisted for generations and recognises the
difficulty in eradicating entrenched practices. However, he cautions against
harshly criticising widely accepted Jewish customs.
In conclusion, repetition
of words in davening, particularly in berachos and pesukim,
should be avoided. While it may be appropriate for the Rabbi of the shul to
address this issue with the chazan, it is generally not advisable for
others to criticise him directly.
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