Responsibility of the Gabbai for Reciting Shema on Time
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Question
I am a gabbai in an Ashkenazi synagogue with many congregants, and Maariv on the night after a fast is scheduled for 18 minutes after sunset so that everyone can recite Shema on time. Recently, some congregants have argued that I should not take responsibility for everyone's Shema, and that Maariv can be held immediately after sunset, followed by an announcement not to forget to recite Shema again, which should suffice. In my opinion, the gabbai is indeed responsible for everyone's Shema, especially since it is likely that some may forget to recite it again and might even fall asleep without Shema on their bed. Who is right? Thank you and blessings, Shmuel
Answer
Hello,
If there are weak individuals in the congregation who find it difficult to extend the fast, it is permissible to start the prayer earlier.
Provided that after the prayer, a reminder is given to recite Shema again. In such a case, the gabbai is no longer responsible for those who do not recite Shema again as required.
Source
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, shlita