----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Sun, 3 Jan 1999 11:22:19 -0500 (EST)
From: Russell Hendel <  rhendel@mcs.drexel.edu>
Subject: Re: Hazarah

Just a brief answer to Steve (Torah Forum, V4 #50). The method to UNITE the
community in prayer is by everyone praying the Amidah at the same time
(not, as he asserts, by the repetition of the Shmoneh Esray).

Most people are unaware of the law that if you e.g. come for Shacharith
(morning services) late (by Yishtabach) then it is proper to daven with the
community and say amidah (and go back and say the Psalms afterwards).
Similarly if you come to shule for Maariv (evening services) and they are
about to say SHmoneh Esray then it is preferable to daven with them and say
Kriath Shma afterwards.

Russell Jay Hendel; Phd ASA
RHendel @ mcs drexel edu