| A. Rav Asher Weiss shlit"a discusses this question in a recent volume of teshuvos related to the Coronavirus. Though almost none of the poskim discuss this issue, Rav Mordechai Banet (1753-1829) has a novel position and favors davening with others over davening alone. In his sefer Maharam Banet, Berachos 18a, Rav Banet proves this point from the Gemara, Berachos 18a. Ben Azai says that if two people are transporting a corpse on a boat, they may both recite Shemoneh Esrei at the same time, even though no one will be left to guard the body. The normal requirement of shemira does not apply on a boat because there is no concern that an animal might attack the body. Nonetheless, Ben Azai agrees that the two should take turns reciting Shema so the other person can watch the body. Apparently, even though there are no animals on a boat, there is a requirement of shemira because it is a dishonor to leave a body unattended. If so, why is Shemoneh Esrei different than Shema? Rav Banet answers that it is advantageous for two people to daven Shemoneh Esrei together and that overrides the requirement of shemira. In contrast, there is no concept of a group reciting Krias Shema, and therefore the two travelers must take turns doing shemira. Rav Banet also infers this from Berachos 8a. The Gemara rules that if one cannot daven with a minyan, it is nonetheless preferable to daven at the same time as a rabbim (many). Rav Banet assumes that two people constitute a rabbim. Rav Asher Weiss disputes the position of Rav Mordechai Banet and considers it a great chiddush. Nonetheless, in deference to Rav Mordechai Banet who was one of the great poskim of his time, Rav Asher Weiss recommended following this position if possible. Rav Asher Weiss notes that with respect to this preference, there is no distinction between a man and women, and it would be beneficial to daven at the same time as a wife or daughter. |
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