Chapter 20: 1-3
The Chazon's Repetition
1. When the chazon steps back after completing his prayers recited in a
hushed tone, he should stand still for the amount of time it takes a person
to walk four cubits. Then he returns to his place, recites in a hushed tone
Ado-noi s'fosai tiftoch... (G-d, open my lips...), and recites in a loud
voice Boruch Attoh...
At this time, everyone should remain quiet and listen carefully,
concentrating on what he is saying. They should respond Boruch Hu uvoruch
Shemo to each blessing, as it is fitting. It is forbidden to study during
the chazon's repetition of the Shemoneh Esreh. Needless to say, one must be
careful not to indulge in idle talk.
It is easy for him to do so, [during the chazon's repetition of the
Shemoneh Esreh], a person should stand as if he is reciting the Shemoneh
Esreh himself. He should keep his eyes closed or follow the chazon's
prayers in the Siddur. There are some who remove the tefillin prescribed by
Rashi after Kedushoh, in order to put on those prescribed by Rabbenu Tam.
This practice is not in accordance with the law.
2. Since the chazon has already recited the Shemoneh Esreh by himself in a
hushed tone, his repetition of those prayers is intended only for those
listening. Accordingly, there must be at least nine people listening to his
blessings and responding Amen to them. Otherwise, his blessings are
considered as having no purpose. (Thus, this law does not resemble Chapter
15, Law 7.)
Therefore, if there are only ten people in the minyan, one must be careful
to see that the chazon does not begin the repetition of the Shemoneh Esreh
until everyone has concluded their prayers, so they can all respond to him.*
* {If there is a question whether all nine can answer or not, it is
customary for the chazon to repeat the Shemoneh Esreh on the condition
that, were there to do fewer people answering than required, his prayer is
to be considered tefillas n'dovoh, a prayer offered as a N'davoh - gift.
(See Mishnoh Beruroh 124:19.)}
3. After completing one blessing, the chazon should take care not to begin
the next blessing until the majority of the congregation have recited
"Amen." If he began the next blessing immediately afterwards - e.g., he
completed mogen Avrohom and started immediately Attoh gibbor - once he
begins Attoh gibbor, the congregation should no longer recite "Amen". He
and they will suffer punishment for the failure to recite "Amen".
