Ethics

For the week ending 3 June 2006 / 7 Sivan 5766

The Loud Worshipper

by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach zt'l
Become a Supporter Library Library

Question: There is a pious member of the synagogue in which I pray who is in the habit of saying the silent Amida prayer in a loud voice which disturbs me and others who are trying to concentrate on our prayers. Must we tolerate his effort for greater concentration at the expense of our own? What is the right thing to do?

Answer: Although the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 101:2) rules that if one is unable to concentrate on his prayers while saying them silently it is permissible for him to raise his voice, this is limited to doing so in the privacy of his home. To pray loudly when praying together with others is forbidden because it prevents them from concentrating.

The issue then is not whether that member is acting properly but rather how to solve the problem he creates, to the satisfaction of all.

The solution suggested by one of the halachic authorities (Prisha on the Tur) of directing that member to pray in his home is rejected by a later authority (Pri Megadim), because it may set a dangerous precedent for others to avoid praying in the synagogue despite their ability to do so. Only if that loud worshipper is respected as a truly outstanding Jewish leader, whose every action is directed towards serving G-d, is it proper for taking this option of private prayer for the purpose of greater concentration.

Keep in mind that the worshipper to whom you refer may be ignorant of the fact that he is actually disturbing you, or of the halachic ruling that forbids him to do so. Your only recourse then is to gently inform him that he is indeed disturbing you, and to show him the halachic ruling regarding his behavior. A Jew who prays aloud with the intention of better serving G-d will most likely react in a positive manner and you will have succeeded in restoring silence while also preserving the peace.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu

« Back to Ethics

Ohr Somayach International is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation (letter on file) EIN 13-3503155 and your donation is tax deductable.