Rashi (Sukkah 38b) writes that one who is still
davening Shmoneh Esrei when the
chazzan begins
Kedusha should pause and listen, because the rule is
shomei’a k’oneh (listening with intent to fulfill the
mitzvah is equivalent to having said the words). However, Rabbeinu Tam (Tosfos, Berachos 21b) disagrees. He argues that if it is indeed equivalent to having spoken, then it would constitute a
hefsek (a break that invalidates the prayer). Nevertheless, Tosfos conclude that the custom is in accordance with Rashi, and this is also the ruling of Shulchan Aruch (OC 104:7). Therefore, although one may not recite
Kedusha together with the
minyan in the middle of
Shmoneh Esrei, one should pause and listen carefully to every word. One who did not know the
halacha, and recited
Kedusha, does not repeat
Shmoneh Esrei since it was a mistake (Mishnah Berurah 104:29).
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