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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
Answer: Although many shuls have this issue, the best solution differs based on resources, personalities, and character and needs of the shul. While we will provide sources and generic advice, local wisdom and sensitivity is crucial.
Reciting Kaddish and serving as chazan are a merit for the deceased, who cannot create his own merits but gets them through his descendants (see Divrei Sofrim, Aveilut I, p. 340-342 at length). During the first year after death, the deceased needs the most help. Yahrtzeit is both a time of potential improvement of his status (Arizal, cited in Gesher Hachayim I, p. 341) and a potentially difficult day for surviving children (Levush, Yoreh Deah 402:2). Due to the first reason, the logic of davening is the same as during aveilut, and one with a yahrtzeit for a parent is a relatively high-level chiyuv (Rama, YD 376:5).
The sources on serving as chazan the Shabbat before a yahrtzeit are more recent (there are earlier sources about aliyot). The minhag is cited in important works of the last century (Kaf Hachayim, Orach Chayim 53:23, regarding Kaddish; Gesher Hachayim 32:2; Kol Bo Al Aveilut, p. 401). One reason given is that every Shabbat the neshama is elevated, and the merit of the mitzva on its behalf may keep it in that state until the upcoming yahrtzeit. However, the Gesher Hachayim writes that this minhag is superseded by other chiyuvim. There are also different opinions whether it applies just to Musaf and Maariv of Motzaei Shabbat or to all tefillot (see P’nei Baruch 39:2). There is a value for a grandson or a son-in-law to stand in for the deceased if no son is doing so, but the level of their "chiyuv" is lower (Pitchei Teshuva, YD 376:7). Thus the chazanut "rights" on Shabbat before yahrtzeit vary, depending on the case, from moderately low to very low.
Even regarding full chiyuvim, a community has the right to decide that concern for the quality of tefillot warrants not having non-mourners serve as chazanim even during the week (Mishna Berura 53:60). This, of course, should be done for the right reasons with a fair and clear process, and this is not standard practice during the week (see ibid.).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (654)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
253 - Place of Chanuka Candle Lighting at a Guesthouse
254 - Serving as Chazan on the Shabbat Before a Yahrtzeit
255 - How Many People Together to Start Shemoneh Esrei? – part I
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Nevertheless, there are important halachically recognized concessions to accommodate the feelings of one who wants to honor/aid a relative’s neshama. Our issue should not be an exception. While the congregation’s desire for a better chazan is legitimate and sometimes important, these preferences are not usually critical in nature and do not erase the importance of another’s feelings. How does it feel to not only be regularly passed over when choosing a chazan (people often consider themselves better chazanim than others do), but to get the message that: "You aren’t even good enough to be chazan before yahrtzeit"? The rabbi/gabbai’s job is to strike the best possible balance regarding the needs of all.
We suggest a few generic pointers. 1. Consistent rules (e.g., a maximum of one tefilla per Shabbat) make things easier. 2. Absolute consistency might be counterproductive. We suggest one possible system. Every member gives in a list of kibbudim requests for the year rated according to priority for him. The gabbai should decide how to come closest to accommodating him.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
