Page 10 - Chayei Adam LAYOUT sivan 5782

Chayei Adam - K’lal 138 - The Laws of Selichos and Erev Rosh Hashana

their tunes are neither serving Hashem, nor themselves. See what the author of
the Tevuos Shor writes in criticism of this [practice] especially for the yomim
noraim. Woe to the ears who hear [this chazan] for his entire focus is on
producing a beautiful tune as he prepared it during the days [he should have
been focusing on] examining himself and repenting. He doesn’t focus on the
prayers or requests but instead confuses the listeners and detracts their attention
from the berachos and blasts of the shofar. If I would be able to,
I would abolish this evil custom, and at least anyone who fears Heaven and will be
listened to should resolve to do so because whoever can protest… Hashem
29
should atone for them in His mercy. One who knows that he is not an expert
and doesn’t avoid inadvertent sin shouldn’t approach the service of Hashem,
because if he’s not fit or an expert, they don’t give him credit like other
30
punishments. All Jews however are kosher, as long as they are wanted by the
31
congregation. If however, he forces his way into the job, one may not answer
Amein to his berachos. If one sees that [his serving as chazan] will cause strife, he
32
shouldn’t daven even though someone who isn’t fit for the job will. A mourner
33
should not serve as chazan for Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur during the entire
twelve months [of mourning] unless there is no one else, but he may do so during
selichos, even on erev Rosh Hashana. A mouner may also serve as chazan on days
34
when tachanun is omitted, and even on Rosh Chodesh, up until hallel. However,
I believe that the Gra wouldn’t allow a mourner to daven Shacharis on Rosh

םדו רשב

29. While a Chazan with a melodious 30. Elya Rabba quoting the Kol
voice can be inspiring and stir the rest of the Bo. According to the text the Chayei Adam
congregation to teshuva, if his primary focus is had before him, the Elya Rabba wrote ןיאו
the beauty of his voice, he likely won’t inspire - ןישנוע ראש ב ןיפיקמ - that they don’t give him
them anyway. The Chayei Adam laments those credit in other punishments, which is not
who appoint a chazan whose musical talents understandable. Instead, the Chayei Adam
are his focus. Rather, one should choose a changes it to ראש כ (like other…) meaning that
chazan who understands that his talents are while Hashem doesn’t punish immediately for
gifts that he should direct in serving Hashem most sins, and in fact may wait several
and inspiring others to do so. generations (Shavuos 39a), there are some

01