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1. Mourner’s Role as Shliach Tzibbur During the Year
When a person is in a state of mourning, avelus—mourning, there is a custom that throughout the year they serve as the shliach tzibbur—the prayer leader. This is done as an honor for the departed and as a merit for their soul. However, on Shabbos and Yom Tov, the mourner does not lead the prayers, since these days are considered times of joy and public mourning is not appropriate.
This tradition is widely observed: during weekdays, the mourner leads the services, but on Shabbos and Yom Tov, someone else takes over to avoid any display of mourning during festive times.
2. The Question of Leading on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
A specific question was raised regarding a person who had served for 25 years as the Torah reader, shofar blower, and shliach tzibbur for shacharis—the morning service—on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. This year, those holidays would fall within the twelve months of mourning for his mother. He wanted to know if he should continue in these roles during his year of avelus.
The concern stems from whether leading on these special days might be considered an inappropriate display of mourning or if continuity in communal roles overrides this concern.
3. The Rebbe’s Response: Established Custom Prevails
The Rebbe responded that halacha addresses this situation in many places: if someone has already been established for many years in these roles—as Torah reader, shofar blower, or shliach tzibbur—they should continue to do so even during their year of mourning. The established custom takes precedence because changing would itself be disruptive to the community and could cause unnecessary embarrassment or discomfort.
The Rebbe emphasized that this applies specifically when one has been serving in these capacities consistently over time. In such cases, it is proper to maintain continuity and lead the services on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as usual.
4. Precedent from Previous Generations
The Rebbe referenced various sources supporting this ruling. In particular, he noted that in his own correspondence, it was mentioned that his father-in-law—the previous Rebbe—had ruled similarly when he was in mourning for his own father. This precedent demonstrates that even great leaders maintained their established communal roles during their year of avelus, including on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
The Rebbe concluded by affirming that this is indeed the correct approach: one who has been serving regularly should continue to do so throughout their year of mourning, including on these most significant days.