Q. I have been a Baal Tefilah for many years during Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur for free. I recently heard that it may be better to be paid something for the service, is that true?
A. There seems to be some contradiction in the Poskim regarding the wages mentioned.
Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 585: 5) writes that one who collects wages for blowing the Shofar or for davening during Shabbos and Yom Tov, will not see any blessing from those payments. As the Mishna Berura points out it is mainly due to the prohibition of collecting wages for work done on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
However Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 53: 22) rules that a Shaliach Tzibur who is payed is better than one who serves voluntarily. Mishna Berura (63) mentions two reasons. One of them is that since he is being rewarded he has more responsibility ans obligation to perform his work properly.
Poskim also point out that it is better to pay for a mitzva that receiving it for free.
Piskei Teshuvos (585: 5) advises to take a small reward, (he may later donate for Tzedaka).
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that if he has not received any payment until now, he should continue not collecting.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit'a.
Important Numbers
