May a prayer leader (shaliach tzibbur) or congregation engage in extended musical embellishment (niggunim) within the Blessings of Shema that creates pauses exceeding the time to complete the entire Shema?
Synopsis
The Mishnah Berurah and Aruch HaShulchan both note that although the Magen Avraham and Tosafot express concern about prolonged pauses caused by the shaliach tzibbur's singing during Birkot Shema, the actual practical concern is mitigated: such pauses are not considered ones and do not require the congregation to restart.
More in Responding Amen During Shema
If one recited Shema discontinuously (with pauses, whether silent or spoken), but completed it in full, have they fulfilled their obligation?
6 opinions
How is the time-threshold for 'prolonged pause' measured — according to the individual reciter's pace or the average person's pace?
3 opinions
If one has already recited Shema and enters a synagogue where the congregation is reciting Shema, must one recite the first verse (Shema Yisrael) with them?
4 opinions
If one has already recited Shema and enters a synagogue where the congregation is reciting Shema, and one is currently at a point in the davening where interruption is not permitted (e.g., from Barukh She-amar onward), should one interrupt to recite the first verse with the congregation?
4 opinions
If one has already recited Shema privately, is it meritorious (beyond the minimum first verse) to recite the entire Shema again with the congregation?
4 opinions
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Discussion
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