Shaliach Tzibur

From Halachipedia

The Shaliach Tzibbur is the person who leads the congregation (tzibur) in prayers and at times fulfills its obligation on its behalf.

Who to appoint as Shaliach Tzibbur

  1. Any Jew is fit for being a Shliach Tzibbur as long as the congregation accepts him. [1]
  2. Preferably, the congregation should carefully choose a proper Shliach Tzibbur who is married, thirty years old, and the more he is learned and practices good deeds the better. [2] However, someone who is learned and Yireh Shamayim is preferred over someone who lacks these qualities but fits the requirements of being married and thirty years old. [3]

Tunes

  1. The Shaliach Tzibbur may use secular tunes for Kaddish and Kedushah, though it is preferable to use tunes that the words to which have already been forgotten.[4]

Sources

  1. Rama 581:1
  2. Rama 581:1
  3. Mishna Brurah 581:13
  4. Yechaveh Daat 2:5 explains that the main issue with secular music is the words, so it's best not to pick a secular tune that will remind the Tzibbur of the words to the song. Rather, one should use a tune that nobody remembers the words to, since by doing so one brings the tune into the domain of kedusha.