Derjenige, der [regelmäßig] die Haftarah in Propheten liest, "parzelliert" das Schema (siehe 4: 3). [Die Weisen stellten fest, dass er das Schema für die Gemeinde "parzelliert"] und er fungiert als Gebetsführer [um für sie die Erfüllung der Verpflichtung zur Heiligung des Namens (Keduscha) in der Amida zu bewirken. Weil er bereit ist, die Haftarah zu lesen, die nicht zu seiner Ehre ist, haben sie dies für ihn, zu seiner Ehre, eingeführt.] Und er hebt seine Hände (im priesterlichen Segen). Und wenn er minderjährig wäre [der nicht als Gebetsführer oder "Paket" des Schemas fungieren kann, fungiert sein Vater oder sein Lehrer als Gebetsleiter für ihn.]
Bartenura on Mishnah Megillah
המפטיר בנביא – He who regularly to chant the Haftarah from the Prophets, the Sages ordained that he should recite the prayers for the benefit of those who have come too late for the regular service in public (though Rashi defines פורס על שמע – to mean that he recites part of the prayers before Shema – see Talmud Megillah 23b)
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English Explanation of Mishnah Megillah
Introduction
This mishnah and the mishnayot following it deal with who is qualified to receive certain honors in the synagogue.
I have explained this mishnah according to Albeck’s explanation. Others explain it somewhat differently.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Megillah
והוא עובר לפני התיבה – to fulfill [the religious obligations of the many in the sanctification of [God’s] name in prayer, since he furnishes for himself to conclude the reading from the Torah by reading a portion of the Prophets (i.e., the recite the Haftarah), for it is something that is not for his honor, and the Sages established for him that this is for his honor.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Megillah
The one who concludes with the haftarah also leads the responsive reading of the Shema and he passes before the ark and he lifts up his hands. The person honored by reading the haftarah is worthy of also being the leader of the other crucial elements of the service. He can lead the responsive reading of the Shema (explained in yesterday’s mishnah), he can pass before the ark (meaning recite the Amidah and thereby aid other’s in fulfilling their obligation) and if he is a priest, he can lift up his hands to bless the people with the priestly blessing. In the proceeding mishnayot we will see that not everyone is worthy of these honors.
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Bartenura on Mishnah Megillah
ואם היה קטן – that he is unable to descend before the Ark nor to recite the prayers for the benefit of those who have come too late for the regular service.
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English Explanation of Mishnah Megillah
If he is a child, his father or his teacher passes before the ark in his place. A child is allowed to read the haftarah, but he may not pass before the ark. The person who recites the amidah (passes before the ark) helps others to fulfill their obligation to recite the amidah. In order to help others fulfill their obligation, the person himself must also be obligated. A child who is not obligated cannot fulfill the congregation’s obligation. Therefore, if a child read the haftarah either his father or teacher takes his place in passing before the ark.
