Igrot Kodesh · Letter 410 — Congregation Repeating Yizkor Paragraphs During Cantor's Repetition

By the grace of Hashem,

9 Tishri 5709,

To the great Rav, learned Chassid* who fears Hashem,

Rav I.

I greet and bless you,

I reply to your inquiry in the letter of 24 Elul. Must those who participate in the prayer also recite Zochrenu* and Uvssefer*[1] during the cantor's repetition?

My father-in-law, the Rebbe Shlita, confirms your own custom: the congregation must repeat the paragraphs U'chtov*, VaChatos*, and Uvssefer*, including on Shabbat and the festivals.

You mention that some also repeat the paragraphs Zochrenu* and Mi Chamocha*. You conclude that it is presumably correct to do so, for why distinguish them from the preceding ones?

I have heard of such a practice and have always been surprised that Mi Chamocha* is repeated, for it is not a prayer imploring Hashem's mercy, but an affirmation proclaiming His praise.

Our custom is not to repeat Zochrenu* either. It seems to me that this may be justified as follows. 'Remember us for life' is only a modest request, after one has already asked 'Inscribe us in the book of those who have a good life[2].' The cantor, however, recites this phrase in order to familiarise himself with the text of the prayer.

Please let me know how many copies of the publications of Otzar HaChassidim* and Merkaz L'Inyanei Chinuch* should be sent to your city.

I have asked for some time[3] whether someone possesses the Tanya* commentaries written by Rav Ch. G. Estherman[4], which I will return afterwards. I have not received a clear answer to that question.

I conclude by wishing you to be definitively sealed for a good year,

Rav Menachem Schneerson,

Notes

[1] The paragraphs inserted into the prayer during the Ten Days of Teshuvah*.

[2] Per 'all who accepted Your covenant.'

[3] See letters 191, 218, 321, 336, 418, 474, 693.

[4] Rav Shmu'el Gronam Estherman, first spiritual guide of the Yeshiva* at Lubavitch.