Q. Dear Rov Shlit’a. When is the correct time for the Shaliach Tzibur (or Chazan) in a shul, repeating the amida, to start reading aloud the Amida after waiting for the Rabbi to end his prayer. Is it when he can see that he has ended, or does he have to wait until he goes back the customary three footsteps and also bows down three times?
A. There are indeed diferent traditions, and in principle one should follow the one of the particular minyan he is with.
The Rema (O.H. 124: 3) rules that if some of the participants pray and over delay, the Shaliach Tzibur who is repiting the Shemone Esrei aloud does not have to wait for them, even if they are the important leaders.
Mishna Berura (Ibid 124: 3) adds that they should wait for the Av Beth Din or Torah; he adds that if the leader is extending too long, in need there is place for leniency to not wait for him.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Y. Hirshman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu, Horav Kalman Ochs, and Horav Dovid Bartfeld consulting in need Horav Hagaon Rav Yitzchak Berkowitz Shlit’a
Important Numbers
