The Mechaber continues, “And should he enter [a synagogue] after Kedushah, if it is possible for him to begin his Amidah and conclude before the chazzan reaches Modim, he should say it. If it is not possible, he should not say it. The same rule applies if he is [not able to conclude before the chazzan reaches Modim but is] able to reach Modim [in his own silent Amidah], or one of the other benedictions for which one bows, at the same time that the chazzan reaches Modim. In that case, he should commence with his prayer….”
The Mechaber proceeds to relate numerous other situations relating to latecomers to shul.
The Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chayim 109:8) explains the Mechaber’s statement regarding reaching a benediction at which one bows simultaneously with the chazzan reaching Modim as follows: “Even though [the latecomer] is unable to recite Modim D’Rabbanan together with the congregation, this is not a matter of concern; he is [seen] bowing with them and thus it is permissible l’chatchilah….”
From these halachot we see that the Amidah is the main component of tefillah. Nevertheless, when one joins in a prayer session, one surely finds that there is far more to our daily tefillah service than the Amidah alone.
(To be continued)