Waiting for the Return of the Shaliach Tzibbur for All Worshippers
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
Is it permissible to start the repetition of the Shaliach Tzibbur and Kaddish in Maariv when ten have finished their prayers, or must one wait for the entire congregation to finish praying so that everyone can respond with Amen and Kedusha?
Answer
Even when ten have completed the Amidah prayer, one should wait for those praying at a regular pace according to the time and place. Not less than the time it takes for someone to pray word by word. There is no need to wait for those who significantly prolong their prayers, except for the synagogue rabbi, who is waited for even if he takes longer.
Source
The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 55, Seif 7 states: "When one prays alone, it is proper for others to wait with saying Kaddish until he finishes, so that he too merits."
The Rema in Siman 124, Seif 3: "If there are individuals in the congregation who prolong their prayers, the Shaliach Tzibbur should not wait for them, even if they are important people of the city; and if there is a minyan in the synagogue, there is no need to wait for an important or great person who has not yet arrived."
In resolving the contradiction, the Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Siman 55, Seif 9, writes: "When a person prays alone, even if there are ten without him, it is proper to wait with saying Kaddish until he finishes, so that he too merits. But if he prays with them and prolongs his prayer, there is no need to wait for him, as stated in Siman 124." This means that there is no need to wait for those who significantly prolong their prayers, only for those praying at a regular pace.
In the Mishnah Berurah, Siman 124, Seif 13: "Nowadays, it is customary for the Shaliach Tzibbur to wait until the Av Beit Din finishes his prayer because most people pray hastily, and one who prays word by word cannot say Kedusha with the congregation, so they wait because they are acting improperly. Therefore, if there is no Av Beit Din in the city, they should wait for the one who prays word by word, but when he prolongs, there is no need to wait for him, as stated about Rabbi Akiva, when he prayed with the congregation, he shortened and ascended. And one who needs to prolong and fears being mocked can step back when the Shaliach Tzibbur begins, even if he has not yet finished his prayer, and return to his place and finish. And in all this, if his intention is for the sake of Heaven, it is permissible."
The Raak Eiger in Drush VeChidush Teshuva 5 writes that the custom of waiting for the rabbi to finish his prayer should not be abolished.