The one who [regularly] reads the haftarah in Prophets "parcels" the Shema (see 4:3). [The sages instituted that he "parcel" the Shema for the congregation], and he acts as prayer leader [to effect for them the fulfillment of the obligation of the sanctification of the Name (kedushah) in the Amidah. Because he is forthcoming in reading the haftarah, which is not to his honor, they instituted this for him, for his honor.], and he lifts his hands (in the priestly blessing). And if he were a minor, [who cannot act as prayer leader or "parcel" the Shema, his father or his teacher acts as prayer leader for him.]
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)
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy
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.
