What is a minyan and why is it important?

A minyan is the quorum for particular acts of public worship. Under Orthodox halacha, Kaddish, Kedushah, and Barchu require ten adult Jewish men (Shulchan Aruch, OC 55:1). Minors do not count toward this quorum (OC 55:4). Women are not counted toward this quorum (OC 55:4). These principles are shared by Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities.

The quorum concerns specific public elements, not whether prayer itself is possible. Without a minyan, a person can still pray the individual prayers; the public declarations do not become permissible merely because a small group is sincere. Torah reading with its public blessings likewise requires ten (OC 143:1).

In practical synagogue attendance, identify which parts are individual and which require the congregation. Shulchan Aruch requires the ten and the prayer leader to be in one place (OC 55:13); arrangements involving adjoining rooms or separated spaces have further details and should be decided by the rabbi, not by casually counting everyone nearby.

A Beit Din may ask whether a candidate before completed conversion counts as the tenth. The quorum requires Jews (OC 55:1); completed conversion, not participation in a course, establishes that status (YD 268:3). A common mistake is assuming “ten people” is enough. The halachic eligibility of the participants matters, not just the headcount.