Q. I'm the Gabbai for a Minyan that takes place in a neighborhood home.
In question 3484, the response states, in part: "Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that although in other positions such as a Chazan, being a Baal Teshuva may not be recommended, in this particular case he may be indeed the preferred candidate."
Does this mean that when selecting a Baal Tefilla, it is preferable to not invite a Baal Teshuva to the Amud?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 53: 4) ruled that one of the requirements of a Shalich Tzibur is that he should be clean from sins, even if those were committed during his youth. Mishna Berura (16) maintains that the above applies even if he did Teshuva.
However, other Poskim disagree. See Beis Hilel (p.71) quoting Yechave Daas, Teshuvos Vehanhogos (1- 99) and others.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
