Studying during the chazzan’s repetition
Question
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah
It is forbidden. One must listen to the shaliach tzibbur and concentrate on his words.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, siman 124, se’if 4
When the shaliach tzibbur repeats the prayer, the congregation must remain silent, concentrate on the blessings recited by the chazzan, and answer amen.
Mishnah Berurah, se’if katan 17
One must be careful not to recite supplications or study during the repetition of the shaliach tzibbur, even if they intend to answer amen properly at the end of the blessing, so that it should not be an “orphaned amen,” as will also be explained. They are not acting properly, for if those who study turn to their learning, unlearned people will learn from them not to listen to the shaliach tzibbur and will engage in idle talk, Heaven forbid, and they will be found to be causing the public to sin.
