A regular cantor or a mourner

Question

In our synagogue there is a cantor who’s been leading the prayers on all the Shabosos and holidays for many years. He has a pleasant voice and all the congregation is happy with his prayer. The father of one of the members of our community passed away on Simchas Torah, and this year is the first anniversary of his death (yahrzeit). The sun insists that we let him lead the congregational prayer. He doesn’t know the melody of these prayers according to our community’s custom, especially not the melody of the prayer for rain (which is recited on Simchas Torah). Does he have the right to demand to lead the prayers instead of the regular cantor?

Answer

Dear …!

A cantor who is liked by the congregation has a priority over someone who has a death anniversary of a relative (yahrzeit).

Comments

Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)

Please sign up or log in to submit your comment

Become our partners in supporting and spreading the Torah. Help us answer more questions faster and better.
Next
More questions in this category