Chazzan Interrupting Others

Question: May a chazzan take three steps back after completing his silent amida if someone is davening behind him?

Answer: The Gemara (Berachos 27a) teaches that one must not walk in front of someone davening the amida.

Rambam (Tefilla 5:6) codifies this halacha, stating that it is forbidden to pass within four amos in front of them. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 102:4) clarifies that this prohibition applies only to walking in front, whereas walking alongside is permitted. However, the Mishna Berura (102:17) cites the Zohar, which is stringent even regarding walking beside someone who is davening.

The Magen Avraham (102:6) explains that walking in front of another person disrupts their kavana during davening. The Ginas Veradim (OC 1:39) and Chayei Adam (1:26:3) add that the area where one davens is imbued with the shechina, making it improper to create a separation between the one davening and the shechina’s presence (see Mishna Berura 102:15).

R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Tefilla 9:1) writes that a chazzan should not take three steps back in front of someone who is davening. Instead, he should wait and only step back only after chazaras hashatz.

Nonetheless, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 102:13) states that in a shul where the chazzan is waiting for the Rav to finish, the Rav may take three steps back regardless, so as not to cause tircha detzibbura, an unnecessary burden on the community. R’ Eliezer Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer 7:23:6) applies this reasoning to a chazzan waiting to conclude his silent amida in order to begin chazaras hashatz. He adds that if the chazzan refrains from stepping back, it may cause confusion.

Similarly, R’ Moshe Feinstein (Igros Moshe OC 4:70:8) emphasises that taking three steps back is an integral part of the amida, akin to bowing when reciting modim. Likewise, R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 4:33) cites the Chazon Ish, who holds that the chazzan should ideally take three steps to the side rather than backward, thereby following the Shulchan Aruch’s lenient view (see Ishei Yisrael 29:16).

In conclusion, a chazzan may take three steps back after his silent amida if someone is davening within four amos behind him. However, if possible, he should step to the side instead, to avoid walking directly in front of them.

Omitting Tachanun on a Yahrzeit

Question: I was davening shacharis in a shul where they skipped tachanun, though most people didn’t know why. When I asked the chazzan afterwards, he explained that it was a tzaddik’s yartzheit. Should I have recited tachanun?

Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 131:6) lists various days on which tachanun is omitted due to the simcha associated  with the day, such as Rosh Chodesh and Chanuka.

The Mishmeres Shalom (12:4) and Minhag Yisrael Torah (OC 131:3) record a minhag to omit tachanun on the yahrzeit of a tzaddik. They cite Rashi (Yevamos 122a), who notes that it was common practise for talmidei chachamim to gather together to learn on the yahrzeit of the amaoraim, referring to such days as regalim, auspicious occasions.

Nonetheless, R' Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer OC 3:11:9) strongly opposes this practice, asserting that tachanun should not be omitted unless there is a solid halachic basis. If one were to follow this minhag consistently, tachanun would never be recited, as every day marks the passing of great Torah figures from biblical times until today. This would effectively nullify the recitation of vidui and tachanun altogether. On the contrary, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 568:1) prescribes fasting on the yahrzeit of tzaddikim rather than celebrating. The Kaf Hachaim (OC 568:24) even suggests adding vidui, acknowledging that the loss of tzaddikim results from communal sins. The Minchas Elazar (Divrei Torah 3:83; Nimukei Orach Chaim 131) also vehemently opposes this minhag, calling it foolish and laughable.

R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 13:n7) writes that if it is the established minhag of a shul to omit tachanun on the yahrzeit of their Rebbe, one should follow the kehilla and refrain from saying it. However, R' Ovadia Yosef, R’ Benzion Abba Shaul (Ohr Letzion 2:9:2), R’ Moshe Feinstein, R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (cited in Tefilla Kehilchasa 15:n37), and R’ Chaim Kanievsky (cited by Ishei Yisrael 25:n37) maintain that one should still recite it discreetly.

In conclusion, if one finds oneself in a shul that omits tachanun due to a yahrzeit, they should recite it privately and unobtrusively.

Concluding Chazaras Hashatz

Question: I often see the chazzan take three steps back and forward after finishing his chazaras hashatz. Is this necessary?

Answer: The Gemara (Yoma 53b) teaches that one should take three steps back upon completing the amida. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 123:1) explains that this is done by turning first to the left, then to the right, and finally bowing forward while reciting ‘oseh shalom..’. This gesture is compared to a servant taking leave of their master.

The Beis Yosef (OC 123:1) provides several explanations for this practice. Quoting the Shibolei Haleket (18), he notes that stepping backward symbolises leaving the sacred space of prayer and re-entering the mundane world.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 123:4) rules that the chazzan should only take three steps back after completing his silent amida, not after chazaras hashatz. However, the Rema adds that if the chazzan has not yet recited his own silent amida, he is required to take three steps back after chazaras hashatz.

The Beis Yosef and Magen Avraham (123:11), quoting the Terumas Hadeshen (13), explain that the chazzan can rely on the three steps he will take after reciting the kaddish shalem. Nevertheless, the Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav OC 123:9) and Mishna Berura (123:18) emphasise that the chazzan must avoid any interruptions or talking before reciting kaddish shalem, particularly on Mondays and Thursdays when there is leining.

The Kaf Hachaim (OC 123:28) adds an exception: if the chazzan is passing on the role to another person to lead the remainder of the davening and will therefore not be reciting kaddish shalem himself, he should take three steps back.

In conclusion, the chazzan does not take three steps back after chazaras hashatz unless he will not be reciting kaddish shalem.