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The Obligation of Prayer
It is important to pray daily. Praying does more for the individual than can be imagined. However, there are times that one should avoid prolonged prayer, and at time praying at all. Jewish law dictates, that someone who is preoccupied with communal needs at the time of prayer, is not required to interrupt his activities to pray. Rather he should complete his mission, and pray on its completion.
The Mishna Berura points out, that this law holds true, even if the mission only involves ensuring a financial loss does not visit upon the community. The Pri Megadim adds that this rule applies even if he began his mission after the time of prayer has already begun.
If he interrupted his mission in order to pray, he has fulfilled his Mitzvah and need not repeat it. This is true whether he began his trip before or after the onset of his obligation. The reason being, as soon as he begins, he is obligated to continue. We do not look at a person who is preoccupied with a Mitzvah as if there is no obligation to pray. Rather, he is not obligated to fulfill the Mitzvah that is incumbent upon him. As a matter of fact, Elyia Rabba recommends that such a person should try to recite the prayer if at all possible.
If someone was busy with a Mitzvah which caused him to miss Zman Kria Shma, he is not obligated to say it. However, he is required to mention the exodus from Egypt, which is recited in the Shma. This is because being thankful for that, is a Mitzvah daily unrelated to the Mitzvah of saying Shma. This Mitzvah can be fulfilled with any prayer, and does not need the paragraph of Shma that mentions it. One should not eat before doing this.
There is an important discussion regarding a person who is going on a Mitzvah mission for his own benefit, but it will help others. Do we look at his intentions, and require him to Recite Shma, or do we look at the mitzvah he is involved with and absolve him from the obligation.
The Biyur Halacha brings down the Mogen Avrohom, and seems to require such a person to recite the Shma. However, if he has in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah, as well as benefit from his participation in it, or there is nobody else that can accomplish what he can, very possibly, we will not be required to say Shma.
A physician can often find himself in these circumstances, because helping the sick is considered a mitzvah, even if he is being paid for it. Because of this, it is important to review these rules properly.
About the Author Billy Kite is a researcher writing on behalf of Halacha Yomi. Offering extensive Jewish Law discussions, as well as detailed laws of Shema , and Halacha yomi. Much more too.
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