Q. My brother and I are respectively the baal tokea and baal makrei (the announcer of the tekios to be blown), in our minyan for over 20 years. We recently lost our dear mother a.h., and we are going to be still during the sheloshim on Rosh Hashana. Can we in grief continue our positions this year?
A. Poskim rule that in principle, a baal tokea has the same limitations as a baal tefila in regard to avelus, and just as much as an ovel refrains in principle from davening by the amud on Yom Tov, so should the baal tokea. (Devar Shmuel quoted in Hagoos Chasam Sofer, Mateh Efraim 585: 7, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch ibid.
However, just as regarding the baal tefila, if he is the better of all available candidates, Poskim rule he may continue, so can the baal tokea.
Regarding the baal makrei, Poskim debate whether he is similar to the baal tefila or no. (Mishne Halochos 10: 70, mentions that the Kloizemburger Rebbe would not permit an ovel to be the baal makrei).
Horav Shlomo Miller's opinion is that one can be lenient, especially regarding a baal makrei that is an ovel.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
