85. Arriving Late to Shul

14:5 On Shabbos and Yom Tov, Psalm 100 (“Mizmor L’Sodah) is not recited, since this corresponds to the korban todah (thanksgiving offering), which was not offered on Shabbos or holidays. It is likewise not recited on erev Pesach or Chol HaMoed Pesach, since a korban todah was offered with ten loaves of bread, which would be prohibited on these days. (On erev Pesach, the loaves might not be able to be eaten before the time for chometz ran out.) Similarly, this Psalm is not recited on erev Yom Kippur, as the time to eat might run out before the loaves could be eaten, which would disqualify the sacrifice.

14:6 Let’s say that someone arrives late to shul and finds that the congregation has already started. If saying everything would keep him from catching up in time to say Shemoneh Esrei with the minyan, he may skip certain prayers. (Details will be forthcoming.) This is because saying Shemoneh Esrei with a minyan is the most important part of davening. The blessing on washing one’s hands, those of Torah study and Elokai Neshama must be recited before prayer, so if he did not already say them, he must do so even if it will keep him from praying with the minyan. Similarly, the Shema and its blessings must be said before Shemoneh Esrei at Shacharis (the morning service). Other prayers may be said after Shemoneh Esrei, including the entire order of pesukei d’zimrah (except for the blessings of Baruch She’amar and Yishtabach that bookend it). Mishnah Brurah (52:1) is quick to point out that coming late and skipping is not a choice one makes; one should try to be on time and skip only if circumstances delay him.