minyan

Minyan is a quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain communal prayers and rituals in traditional Jewish law. The term derives from Hebrew minyan, meaning “number” or “count.” In practice, the minyan enables formal public worship and the performance of certain religious obligations as a group.

The presence of a minyan is required for many elements of communal worship, notably the public recitation of Kaddish and Kedushah, and for the public Torah reading (aliyot) and related blessings. Some prayers, including the Amidah, are traditionally recited individually or quietly and do not require a minyan, but the minyan governs the prayers that are performed aloud as a congregation and the ritual aspects of the service.

Age and gender rules around minyan vary by denomination. In classical Orthodox practice, a minyan consists of ten Jewish male adults aged 13 or older (bar mitzvah). In many Conservative, Reform, and other non-Orthodox communities, both men and women are counted toward the minyan, and there is greater inclusion of women in all public liturgy.

If a community lacks a minyan, prayers that require a quorum are not recited in their customary public form, and individuals typically pray privately. The concept of minyan underscores the communal character of certain aspects of Jewish worship and life, including public prayer, Torah study, and mourning practices.