Congregants Reading Haftarah Aloud with Maftir

Date: 5 Teves 5543

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Eizik Banovitz

Description

Rabbi Banovitz seeks to stop congregants from reading the Haftarah aloud simultaneously with the Maftir, citing the Rema's rule that two voices cannot be heard. The Chasam Sofer advises against changing the widespread custom, arguing that Haftarah readings from printed Chumashim are halachically equivalent to oral recitation due to textual imprecisions, so listeners must read along themselves regardless.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer OC §68

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