Q. Kvod Harav, In the Shul where I daven (and several other places), during the Chazaras Hashatz sometimes there are people who sing along the words of Shmonei Eisrei along with the Chazan. When I am Davening for the Amud, I find this very disturbing to my concentration.
I’m sure they mean well and are trying to harmonize the Shmonei Eisrei…. Since it disrupts my concentration should I politely tell people afterwards not to sing along words of Shmonei Eisrei with me? Is there anything wrong with saying some words along with the Chazan in Shmonei Esrei? What’s the Eitza?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that even without the proscribed disturbing of your concentration, people singing along the words of Shmonei Eisrei along with the Chazan should be avoided, as they as well as others present, should be listening to the words of the Baal Tefila and their singing words may not permit it.
You should better ask the Rabbi, if present, to tell them to avert it. In some instances, as when reciting Halel, it may also be a hefsek or interruption.
Saying or singing the words is different from the usual and commendable singing of the nigunim together with the Chazan on the desired locations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a