6086 —הגדרת המנין לחזרת העמידה וקריאת ויחל

B"H, 3 Adar, 5718.

Brooklyn.

Havavac"h iy"a nu"n etc. Harav Ephraim Grinblat

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 26th of Shevat: a) How should one conduct oneself in synagogue regarding the silent Amidah and the repetition by the chazan if only six have not yet prayed? The practice follows what is written in Magen Avraham section 69, sub-section 4, as brought in halachic ruling by Shulchan Aruch of our Rebbe, the Baal HaTanya—the posek in the hidden dimension of Torah—and the Shulchan Aruch—the posek in the revealed dimension of Torah—that one prays silently and then repeats aloud. Regarding your reference to Shaarei Teshuvah section 55, sub-section 9, which quotes Magen Avraham but writes "ten" instead of "six," it seems this is a printing error in early editions where they wrote a yud instead of a vav. This is because many quote Magen Avraham and all write "six," explaining that this is because it is the majority of a minyan.

b) How should one conduct oneself regarding reading Vayechal on the four fasts? Below is quoted what was printed in one of the pamphlets. On this occasion I wish to encourage keeping up with the three well-known daily study cycles—Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya—which we have heard many times from my father-in-law, the Rebbe zatzal (may his merit protect us), that they are suitable for everyone and a segulah for many matters.

With blessing,

In the name of my father-in-law, the Rebbe shlita

Secretary

P.S. In Kuntres Reshimos on Megillas Eichah, Likutei Minhagim, it says: Reading Vayechal—on the four fasts—even if there are only three fasting in shul; see tzt"z Responsa Shaar HaMiluyim sec. 8; discussion also in Responsa Chasam Sofer Orach Chaim sec. 157; Maharam Schick sec. 289; Sdei Chemed Peas HaSadeh Alef Siman Dalet Beis HaMidrash sec. 2 subsec. 3; Tzafnas Paneach vol. II sec. 31; Minchas Yitzchak sec. 65. Only three: see also above vol. XII letter #3938.

Summary

The Rebbe explains that six who have not yet prayed suffice for repeating the Amidah aloud according to halacha and addresses how to read Vayechal on communal fasts even with only three fasting participants present. He also encourages consistent daily study of Chumash, Tehillim, and Tanya.