What Is a Minyan?

A minyan is the quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain prayers and religious functions. This requirement reflects Judaism's emphasis on community—while individual prayer is valid, the full expression of Jewish worship occurs in community.

What Requires a Minyan?

Certain prayers and rituals can only be performed with a minyan present:

Kaddish

The mourner's prayer and other forms of Kaddish require ten.

Kedushah

The sanctification of God's name during the Amidah repetition.

Torah Reading

Public reading from the Torah scroll.

Repetition of the Amidah

The prayer leader's repetition of the Amidah.

Birkat Kohanim

The priestly blessing.

Reading of the Haftarah

The prophetic reading after the Torah portion.

The Source of Ten

The Talmud (Megillah 23b) derives the requirement of ten from two biblical sources:

וְנִקְדַּשְׁתִּי בְּתוֹךְ בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל

Translation: I will be sanctified among the children of Israel. (Leviticus 22:32)

(congregation) for both the spies who returned from Canaan (ten men, excluding Joshua and Caleb) and for describing communal gatherings.

Who Counts in a Minyan?

Traditional Practice

In Orthodox practice, a minyan consists of ten adult Jewish males (age 13+). This reflects the historical public role of men in Jewish ritual life.

Conservative and Reform Practice

Conservative and Reform movements count women equally in a minyan, reflecting egalitarian interpretations of Jewish law.

The Effort to Make a Minyan

who commit to regular attendance. Making a minyan—especially for daily services—is considered a significant mitzvah.

Mourners and Minyan

For those saying Kaddish in memory of a loved one, the minyan is essential. Communities traditionally make extra efforts to ensure mourners can fulfill this obligation, recognizing the spiritual and emotional importance of communal support during bereavement.