Praying in the Synagogue versus Praying Privately

6a

It was taught, Abba Benjamin said: One’s prayer is only [fully] heard in a synagogue, as it is stated: to listen to the song and the prayer (1 Kings 8:28). [It may be inferred that] in a place of song, there prayer should be. Ravina bar R. Adda said [that] R. Isaac said: From where [is it derived] that the Holy One is located in a synagogue? As it is stated: God stands in the congregation of God (Psalm 82:1). [ . . . ]

7b–8a

R. Isaac said to R. Naḥman: Why did the master not come to the synagogue to pray? [R. Naḥman] said to him: I was unable. [R. Isaac] said to him: Let the master gather ten [individuals, a prayer quorum, at your home] and pray. [R. Naḥman] said to him: It is difficult for me [to impose upon the members of the community to come to my home to pray with me. R. Isaac suggested another option]: The master should tell the congregation [to send a] messenger when the congregation is praying to come and inform the master [so you may pray at the same time]. He asked: What is [the reason for] all this fuss? [R. Isaac] said to him: As R. Yoḥanan said in the name of R. Shimon ben Yoḥai: What is [the meaning of] that which is written: But as for me, let my prayer be unto You, Lord, in a time of favor (Psalm 69:14)? When is a time of favor? [It is] at the time when the congregation is praying. [ . . . ]

[It—Ed.] was also taught, Rabbi Natan says: From where do we know that the Holy One does not despise the prayer of the masses? As it is stated: “Behold, God does not despise the mighty.” [ . . . ]

Resh Lakish said: One who has a synagogue [nearby] in his city but does not enter to pray there is called an evil neighbor.