Initially, the role of the Shaliach Tzibur (the one who leads the prayer) was created out of a practical need that arose when praying in public. Since the prayers were not written down, and many people did not know them by heart, there was a need for someone who was well versed in this subject to lead the prayers. This person was to say them out loud so that others could repeat them after him or could listen to him and answer “Amen” at the end of each blessing. Later, even though many already knew the prayers, the Shaliach Tzibur was needed for those who did not know them. For this reason, it was decreed that after the participants finished silently praying the Amidah, the Shaliach Tzibur had to repeat it out loud. This is the origin of “Hazarat ha Shatz,” the repetition of the Amidah by the Shaliach Tzibur.

The loud repetition of the Amidah was even more important on Jewish holidays, especially on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, because there were changes and additions to the Amidah and few people could recite it by heart. However, over time, as it was written down and reproduced in the form of printed books, which were even used to teach the prayers to children, the repetition of the Amidah continued simply as a tradition and no longer as a practical necessity. In his time, Maimonides decided that this repetition should be abolished, since all participants had prayed the Amidah silently. Only in Egypt and a few countries, which respected Maimonides’ authority, did they heed him and stop repeating the Amidah. This did not last long and soon the custom of repeating it was resumed. The repetition of the Amidah had already acquired an additional meaning of complementing and elevating the public prayer. Over time, as people were able to pray from a printed book, the Sheliach Tzibur was chosen from among the congregation and was usually someone who liked to lead the prayers. This role was gradually taken over by certain people who spent more time in the synagogue performing various functions. This individual would soon become the Jazan. Thus, the role of leading the public prayers changed from a mere practical necessity to one of enhancing and beautifying the prayers. People expected the Jazan to have a good voice and to embellish the prayers with beautiful melodies, in addition to becoming the emissary of the congregation’s prayers to God.

In Conservative and Reform synagogues the Amidah is not always repeated aloud. Usually the part containing the first three blessings is said aloud and the rest is said silently. This is also done in Orthodox synagogues on some occasions. Ultimately, leading a prayer is a more intense way of getting closer to God. What do you say, do you want to lead the prayer?

By Marcos Gojman

Bibliography: “A Guide To Jewish Prayer” by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz.