Aveil Serving as Shaliach Tzibur on Shabbat, Yom Tov or Yamim Noraim When No Other is As Qualified
QUESTION
Houston, TX
We have a small congregation and there are not a lot of congregants who can serve as shaliach tzibur on Shabbat. We want shlichei tzibur who can uplift the kehillah with singing and proper nusach. Under these circumstances, is it permissible for an aveil (mourning) to serve shaliach tzibur? This question is even more acute for the Yamim Noraim.
ANSWER
Yes, it is permitted.
Even the Rema (YD 376:4) who rules that an aveil should not be a shaliach tzibur on Shabbat and Yom