What is the procedure that should be followed in a synagogue on a Ta’anit Sibur if a Hatan is in attendance? Does the congregation skip all the Selihot and special fast day prayers, and proceed immediately to Yehi Shem? This question also applies when an Abi Ha’ben (father of a boy undergoing Berit Mila that day) or Sandak (person assigned to hold a baby during a Berit held that day) is in attendance in the synagogue on a Ta’anit Sibur.
Hacham Ben Sion Abba Shaul (Israel, 1923-1998) ruled (listen to audio recording for precise citation) that if a Hatan, Abi Ha’ben, or Sandak is in the synagogue at Shaharit on a Ta’anit Sibur, then the congregation omits two sections from the prayer service - Nefilat Apayim (Le’David), and Ve’hu Rahum. The other special fast day prayers – Viduy, Selihot, Ansheh Emuna Abadu, Tamahnu Me’ra’ot, Elokenu V’elokeh Abotenu Al Ta’aseh Imanu Kala – are recited as usual.
At Minha on a fast day, however, a congregation may be lenient and proceed directly to Yehi Shem if a Hatan, Abi Ha’ben, or Sandak is present.
Our practice is to wear Tallit and Tefillin during Minha on a fast day.
A person who, for whatever reason, is not fasting may not serve as Shali’ah Sibur or receive an Aliya to the Torah on a fast day. Even if a fast day is observed on a Monday or Thursday, when the Torah would be read even if it were not a fast day, one who does not fast should not receive an Aliya. This applies also to those who plan on breaking their fast, such as those who are ill or frail, even if they are currently still fasting. Such people, too, should not serve as Hazan or receive an Aliya on a Ta’anit Sibur.
Birkat Kohanim is recited at Minha on a Ta’anit Sibur, even though it was recited at Shaharit. Minha should begin no earlier than 45 minutes before sundown, to ensure that Birkat Kohanim will be recited within a half-hour of sundown. However, this Halacha applies only “Le’chatehila” (at the optimal level of observance). If a congregation began Minha earlier on a fast day, Birkat Kohanim may nevertheless be recited.
A Kohen who is not fasting should not recite Birkat Kohanim at Minha. He should leave the synagogue at the time of Birkat Kohanim, to avoid the possibility of people questioning his status as Kohen.
Birkat Kohanim may be recited until sundown, and, according to Hacham Ben Sion (Or Le’siyon vol. 2, 8:13), it may even be recited during Ben Ha’shemashot – the 13.5-minute period after sunset.
Summary: If a Hatan, Abi Ha’ben, or Sandak are present in the synagogue at Shaharit on a Ta’anit Sibur, the congregation omits Le’David and Ve’hu Rahum. At Minha, they proceed straight to Yehi Shem. Birkat Kohanim is recited at Minha on fast days, and congregations should ensure to reach Birkat Kohanim no earlier than 30 minutes before sundown. It may be recited no later than 13.5 minutes after sundown. One who is not fasting should not serve as Hazan, receive an Aliya, or recite Birkat Kohanim on a fast day.
