In a move emphasizing the importance of halacha and tradition, the Gerrer Rebbe, shlita, has approved new guidelines regarding who may lead tefillos in Gerrer shuls and yeshivos.
These instructions, issued by HaGaon Rav Chaim Bunim Schatz, a prominent Rav in the Gur community in Yerushalayim, address the sensitive issue of younger bochrim serving as baalei tefillah.
The new halachic guidelines are as follows:
1. Bochrim whose zakan (beard) has not yet begun to grow may only serve as a baal tefillah from the age of 20 and above.
2. Those whose beard has started to grow, but is not yet full, may lead tefillos from the age of 18.
3. These rules apply even to those leading tefillos on an occasional basis.
4. For Tefillas Mussaf, one must be at least 20 years old to serve as baal tefillah.
5. In cases of those in their year of aveilus (mourning) or observing a yahrtzeit:
- They may lead Shacharis and Mincha only in accordance with points 1 and 2 above.
- For Shacharis, they may lead from "Ashrei" and "Uva L'Tzion."
- For Maariv, they may lead from the age of 13.
These new takanos (enactments) stem from the Rebbe's deep concern for proper adherence to halacha. It has been reported that the Rebbe, upon hearing from one of his einikelach (grandsons) about a young bochur leading tefillos in yeshiva, expressed immediate concern. The Rebbe emphasized that leading tefillos without a full beard runs contrary to halacha.
When it was suggested that the bochur in question had a chiyuv (due to being in the year of aveilus), the Rebbe maintained his position. He stated that reciting Kaddish Yasom (Orphan's Kaddish) would suffice, and leading the tefillos without a full beard should not be permitted.
Rav Schatz's psak has been posted in all major Gerrer batei medrash and yeshivos, ensuring widespread implementation of these new guidelines throughout the kehillah.
As always, for specific shailos regarding these matters, one should consult their personal Rav or posek.
Bechadrei Charedim contributed to this article.
