Same Time as the Minyan

Question: I am staying overnight in hospital following a minor procedure and will be unable to attend shul. Is there any preference for davening at the same time as the minyan?

Answer: The Shulchan Aruch (OC 90:9) states that one who cannot daven with a minyan in shul should daven at the same time as the tzibbur. The Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham 90:17) clarifies that this applies specifically to the amida rather than the rest of davening. The Mishna Berura (90:30) further explains that it must be the same amida, meaning that if the tzibbur is davening mussaf, there is no special advantage to davening shacharis at that time.

The Kaf Hachaim (OC 90:64) explains that when the community davens together, it creates an eis ratzon, an auspicious time when tefillos ascend together. Even when someone is physically unable to join the minyan, aligning their tefilla with the tzibbur ensures that their tefillos are included in this special moment.

R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 5:18) notes that this applies to a specific minyan, rather than just any group of people davening at the same time. Similarly, R’ Yehoshua Neuwirth (quoted in Ishei Yisrael 8:n32) maintains that one should aim to follow the timing of the shul where they regularly daven, as this creates a stronger connection to their usual tzibbur.

In conclusion, someone unable to attend shul should strive to daven the amida with their regular minyan, joining the tzibbur in an eis ratzon even from a distance.