Q. Re-prior question 1593 in regards to reading shnaim mikra by using a voice vibrator that creates words. There are other available methods to help the patients who have undergone a laryngectomy. This methods don’t involve using external electronic apparatus but rather the physical changes of surgery and they change the voice in tone, strength, clarity etc. Is the changed but nonetheless understandable voice, after undergoing such an operation still considered a voice not only for shnaim mikro but for krias shema, tefila, brochos, etc.?

A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since no external artificial components were added to the human voice producing apparatus inside the body, it is still considered a natural and normal voice. Therefore the voice remains valid for compliance to all mitzvos that depend on the utterance of words, such as shema or tefila.

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a