Definition

Noun: - The quorum required by Jewish law for certain communal religious obligations, traditionally consisting of at least ten adult Jewish males (aged thirteen and older). In many contemporary communities, the requirement is interpreted as ten adult Jewish individuals.

Usage

The word "minyan" is used specifically in the context of Jewish religious practice. It refers to the minimum number of people required to conduct a full communal prayer service, recite certain prayers (like the Kaddish or the Barechu), and read from the Torah publicly.

Examples

• The morning service could not begin until they had a minyan.
• He stayed late at the synagogue to help form the evening minyan.
• According to traditional law, a minyan must be present for the recitation of the Kaddish prayer.

Advanced Usage

• To make a minyan: To gather or form the required quorum.
  • We need one more person to make a minyan for the afternoon prayers.
• To count toward a minyan: To be included as one of the ten required individuals.
  • In Orthodox congregations, only men count toward a minyan.

Variants and Related Words

• Minyanim (n): The plural form of "minyan."
  • Different minyanim meet at the synagogue throughout the day.

Synonyms

• Quorum (specifically in this religious context)
• Prayer quorum

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "minyan" has a single, specific meaning within Judaism. It does not have other general English definitions. Its usage is almost exclusively religious and communal.

Noun

1. the quorum required by Jewish law to be present for public worship (at least ten males over thirteen years of age)