Chazan praying out loud – Ask the Rabbi
Q. Why is it that the chazan says every word of some prayers aloud, but in the case of other prayers he says aloud only the beginning and the end of the passage?
A. There is a difference between Ashkenazi and Sephardi rites in this respect.
Before printing was invented, few people had a siddur. Hence the officiant chanted every passage aloud in order to help and guide the congregation in their prayers.
This custom is followed to this day in Sephardi and oriental communities, whereas the Ashkenazim retain it only for the repetition of the Amidah: other prayers are commenced and concluded aloud with the rest of the passage being said inaudibly by the congregation.
The advantage of the Ashkenazi custom is that worshippers can vary the pace and intensity of what they are saying without affecting others.
