Shacharit during Musaf

Hi,

One who comes to shul late, when the community is already reciting the musaf amidah, should still pray in the proper order, reciting the shacharit amidah, rather than recite musaf with the community. According to some opinions, doing this fulfills an element of praying "with the community", despite the fact that one is reciting a different amidah.

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:220)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Checking one's tallit

Hi,

Normally, one is required to check the strings of his tallit daily (other than Shabbat). However, one who would miss davening with a minyan may skip the check and rely on the check he did yesterday [assuming nothing has happened that might cause him to doubt that the tallit is still fine].

(Rivivot Ephraim 1:22)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Musaf before Shacharit?

Hi,

One who comes to shul so late that the shul is preparing to daven Musaf should not begin with Musaf. He should start with Shacharit, despite the fact that this means he will miss reciting Musaf with the community.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:68)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Praying with the community

Hi,

One who recites the amidah along with the chazan is not considered to be fulfilling the mitzvah of praying b'tzibbur (with the community); we are supposed to recite the amidah along with the rest of the minyan.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 3:9)

Have a great day,
Mordechai