Minyan Facts for Kids

A group of people praying the Ma'ariv prayer in a shop in Jaffa, Tel Aviv.

In Judaism, a Minyan is a special group of ten Jewish adults. This group is needed to perform certain important rituals and prayers. Usually, it means ten men, but in some Jewish groups that are not Orthodox, it can also include women.

Why a Minyan is Needed
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Why a Minyan is Needed

Some Jewish prayers and ceremonies are so important that they can only happen if a Minyan is present. It's not about having a Rabbi (a Jewish teacher) there. As a saying goes, "nine rabbis don't make a Minyan, but ten shoemakers do." This means that any ten Jewish adults can form a Minyan, no matter their job or how much they know about Jewish law.

The need for a Minyan is mentioned in ancient Jewish texts like the Mishnah. Here are some of the main things that require a Minyan:

Public Prayers

When Jews pray together in public, a Minyan is needed for special parts of the service. These include:

Saying the Kaddish: This is a prayer that praises God and is often said for those who have passed away.
Reciting Barechu: This is a call to worship that begins certain parts of the prayer service.
Chanting Kedusha: This is a holy prayer that is said during the Amidah (a central standing prayer).
The Repetition of the Amidah: The prayer leader repeats the Amidah aloud for the whole community.

Torah Readings

A Minyan is needed to read from the Torah (the most sacred Jewish text) and the Prophets (other holy books). These readings are done with special blessings.

Weddings and Blessings

The Seven Blessings: These special blessings are recited at a Jewish wedding ceremony. They are also said at meals for the bride and groom during the week after the wedding.
Grace after meals: When a group of people eats together, a Minyan is needed to say a special introduction before the prayer of thanks after the meal.

Other Important Moments

A Minyan is also required for other significant actions:

Kiddush Hashem: This means "sanctifying God's name." It refers to acts that bring honor to God and Judaism, often in difficult situations.
Reciting the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy: These are special descriptions of God's kindness and forgiveness.
Saying Birkat ha-Gomel: This is a blessing of thanks said after surviving a danger or illness.

While most things need ten people, some rare cases need more. For example, in ancient times, the Passover sacrifice (called Korban Pesach) at the Temple in Jerusalem needed a group of 30 people. This was because it had to be done in front of the "assembly of the congregation of Israel," which was understood to mean three groups of ten.