The Chafetz Chaim on Chazzanut

Hi,

"Early authorites have already spoken at length about the disgrace of singers who extend and separate one letter from its neighbor and one word from its neighbor.

"This corruption is especially prevalent in the tunes at the end of a berachah, when the congregation replies Amen: Sometimes they answer before the chazan actually completes the berachah, and sometimes they extend the tune after the conclusion of the [last] word and they reply Amen after a great interruption."

(Mishneh Berurah 281:4, citing Pri Megadim)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The right Chazan

Hi,

On the importance of a proper Chazan:

"It is written (Jeremiah 12), 'She has put upon me with her voice; therefore I have hated her.' To whom does this refer?

"Mar Zutra bar Tuviah said, citing Rav - and some said it was Rabbi Chama citing Rabbi Elazar - this is an unworthy Chazan who goes to lead."

(Talmud, Taanit 16b)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Proper memorials

Hi,

Regarding the practice of reciting Kaddish, leading davening or reading the Haftorah in memory of a relative, I am often asked whether it is acceptable to hire someone else to do those things. Here is an interesting note along those lines:

"It would be appropriate for a son who would honor his parent to know his place and not trust in himself to recite Kaddish, Haftorah or davening until he goes to a learned person first to examine him. If he cannot do these things, it would be better for him to hire a learned person to learn and recite Kaddish and lead davening for the memory of his father and mother."

(R' Eliezer Papo, Pele Yoetz, Kibbud Av va'Em)

Have a great day,
Mordechai