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).