Q. I met a Rabbi of an Orthodox congregation who says that he adds Piyutim, that were composed by the Rishonim but were never instituted by any congregation known today, to the davening, on various occasions such as the Yomim HaNoraim, during the week of Chanuka, on Tu Bishvat, on Rosh Chodesh, etc. He adds them into the Chazan's repetition, as well as during Birchos Krias Shema. He also adds Mizmorim of Tehillim where he deems them appropriate to the time of the year to Pesukei D'Zimra
He claims that since these Tefillos (Birchos Krias Shema, the Chazan's repetition) already contain the saying of Piyutim, and it does not say anywhere that any specific Piyutim are to be said to the exclusion of all others, that this gives him permission to add if he sees fit. Also, that Mizmorim of Tehilim are not an interruption in Pesukei D'Zimra and the more the merrier.
Is this permitted? Additionally, does addition to the Tefilla of similar prayers already present smack of Reform as much as deletion of prayers, and why?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that one may add any Mizmorim of Tehilim or appropriate piyutim before beginning the established Pesukei Dezimra or after ending the established order of davening, if he so needs or desires.
As always, the Rov maintains that one must keep the minhagim and accepted traditions of his congregation.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
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