Weekday Minyan

If you are in mourning, observing a yahrzeit, celebrating a birthday or are just looking for
some tefillah in the morning, come be a part of our weekday morning Minyan vibrant
and growing family. All are welcome.

• Wednesday mornings at 8:00 am (7:45 am on Rosh Chodesh), followed by Mishnah study from 8:50 to 9:30 am.
• Sunday mornings at 9:30 am, on days when there is Talmud Torah.

Questions? Email ritual@betheldurham.org.

What is a minyan?

A minyan is a quorum of ten Jewish adults required for certain religious obligations. The term comes from the Hebrew root maneh (מנה), meaning “to count.”

While individual prayer is always allowed, communal prayer fosters connection and deeper focus. Requiring a minyan for key rituals strengthens Jewish communal life.

A minyan is needed for parts of daily and Shabbat services (such as Barechu, Kedushah, and the repetition of the Amidah), Torah and haftarah readings, and reciting Kaddish, which mourners say for 11 months after a loss. It’s also required for Sheva Berachot (wedding blessings), Birkat Kohanim (priestly blessing), and Birkat HaGomel (thanksgiving after danger).

Only adult Jews count in a minyan—those who have reached B'Mitzvah age. At Beth El, this means age 13 for everyone.  A ceremony is not required, just the appropriate age.