בס”ד
Introduction
This blog addresses the question of whether Noahides may gather to pray as a group, like Jewish men must gather in a quorum of ten for public prayer. This quorum is called, in Hebrew, a “minyan”.
This hebrew word “minyan” (מִנְיָן) comes from Hebrew and literally means “number” or “counting.” It refers to the tien Jewish man needed to perform a communal prayer or religious service according to Jewish law. The short answer is: NO
However, in this blog, we will explain why a Minyan does not apply to Noahides and explore the available options for Noahides to pray.
The Origin of the Minyan Requirement
The requirement for ten people for a minyan originates from a passage in the Torah. After the Exodus from Egypt, Moses appointed twelve men to scout the land of Israel and report on its condition. Upon their return, ten of the men gave a false report they said:
| 32 And they spread an evil report of the land which they had spied out unto the children of Israel, saying: ‘The land, through which we have passed to spy it out, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of great stature. | לב וַיֹּצִיאוּ דִּבַּת הָאָרֶץ, אֲשֶׁר תָּרוּ אֹתָהּ, אֶל-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, לֵאמֹר: הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר עָבַרְנוּ בָהּ לָתוּר אֹתָהּ, אֶרֶץ אֹכֶלֶת יוֹשְׁבֶיהָ הִוא, וְכָל-הָעָם אֲשֶׁר-רָאִינוּ בְתוֹכָהּ, אַנְשֵׁי מִדּוֹת. |
This report caused national panic. The remaining two spies, Joshua and Caleb, did not join the other ten men.
G-d’s anger over the ten spies led to the decree that the Jews would wander in the desert for forty years. When pronouncing this decree, God said:
| 27 ‘How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that keep murmuring against Me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they keep murmuring against Me. | כז עַד-מָתַי, לָעֵדָה הָרָעָה הַזֹּאת, אֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה מַלִּינִים, עָלָי; אֶת-תְּלֻנּוֹת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, אֲשֶׁר הֵמָּה מַלִּינִים עָלַי–שָׁמָעְתִּי. |
Rashi on this verse explains that “congregation” here refers to the spies.
The Talmud uses this verse as a source for the minimum number of participants to be considered a congregation, i.e. to pray publicly.. Talmud Bavli, Berachot 21b: “The word ‘congregation,’ written in reference to the ten spies who slandered the Land of Israel: ‘How long shall I bear with this evil congregation?’ (Numbers 14:27). Consequently, among the congregation there must be at least ten.”
Jewish Prayers Requiring a Minyan
Here is a list of some Jewish prayers that require a minyan:
- Kaddish: This prayer is often recited by the attendees after Torah study, for the deceased, and during prayer services.
- Barchu: This is the prayer that introduces the prayer service and is recited by the chazan (prayer leader).
- Amidah (Shemoneh Esrei): The central prayer of the Jewish service, recited three times a day. While the personal recitation of the Amidah does not require a minyan, the public recitation of the Amidah during prayer services (such as on Shabbat and holidays) is valid only with a minyan.
- Kedusha: This part of the Amidah, where the holiness of G-d is praised, can only be said if a minyan is present.
- Musaf: This additional prayer on Shabbat and holidays, which follows the regular Amidah, also requires a minyan for the public recitation.
Noahides and Prayer
Although non-Jews are not specifically commanded in the Seven Noahide Laws to express reverence and awe for G-d in prayer, praising and exalting G-d for His might and Creation is considered a voluntary mitzvah. These actions are rewarded, even though they are not strictly required.
Rabbi Nissim Gaon notes that not all of the Seven Laws and their derivations require revelation. The obligation to recognize G-d, to obey Him, and to serve Him are rational duties that can be logically derived.
The logical nature of turning to G-d for the nations is illustrated by Abraham, who taught the nations that it is appropriate to exclusively praise and bless G-d’s Name. As stated in:
| 33 And Abraham planted a tamarisk-tree in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the L-RD, the Everlasting G-d. | לג וַיִּטַּע אֶשֶׁל, בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע; וַיִּקְרָא-שָׁם–בְּשֵׁם יד’, אֵל עוֹלָם. |
This means that Abraham ensured that all people he encountered invoked the Holy Name and worshipped Him. He taught them to pray to G-d and to praise His Name (see Tractate Sotah 10b and Rashi there).
The idea that the nations should pray to G-d is also supported by Isaiah.
| 7 Even them will I bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be acceptable upon Mine altar; for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples. | ז וַהֲבִיאוֹתִים אֶל-הַר קָדְשִׁי, וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים בְּבֵית תְּפִלָּתִי–עוֹלֹתֵיהֶם וְזִבְחֵיהֶם לְרָצוֹן, עַל-מִזְבְּחִי: כִּי בֵיתִי, בֵּית-תְּפִלָּה יִקָּרֵא לְכָל-הָעַמִּים. |
This text emphasizes that prayer to G-d has universal value and is accessible to everyone, not just the Jewish people.
Practical Guidelines for Noahide Prayer
Noahides seek to live in accordance with G-d’s will by observing His mitzvot and serving Him. An essential part of this service is the service of the heart, which is prayer. Someone who believes in the One G-d, who governs everything, will always bring their needs and wants to Him and will continually thank and praise Him. Therefore, although prayer, blessings, and praise to God are not strictly required for non-Jews according to the Noahide Code, they still constitute an intellectual obligation.
The Sages have not established specific liturgy, prayer times, or supplications for non-Jews. Each person can pray to the One G-d with their own words in a language they understand. Psalms can be included, as these prayers are composed with holy inspiration.
Noahides are not part of the Jewish congregation and therefore should not form a minyan with other Noahides, as this requirement does not apply to them. However, they are welcome to pray along with a Jewish congregation. It is important that when a Noahide prays in a synagogue, they explicitly indicate that they are not counted for the quorum requirement.
A Noahide can say all their prayers individually or in a group of any size. There are no prescribed prayers, and thus no prayers that require a minimum number of people. This does not mean that it is forbidden for Noahides to pray in a group! Both individual and group prayer have their own advantages (and disadvantages).
Three examples of the advantages of individual prayer
- Personal Connection with G-d: Individual prayer provides direct and intimate communication with God, allowing for a deeper personal relationship to develop.
- Emotional Processing: It helps to express and process feelings of stress, anxiety, or sadness, contributing to emotional well-being and peace of mind.
- Self-Reflection and Self-Awareness: Through individual prayer, one has the opportunity to explore their thoughts and feelings, leading to better self-insight and personal growth.
Three examples of the advantages of group prayer
- Sense of Community and Unity: Group prayer fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and connection within the community. Coming together to pray strengthens bonds and creates a shared spiritual experience that enhances the community.
- Strengthening of Prayer and Intent: Praying together can amplify the power and intensity of the prayer. The collective intention and focus of the group can have a deeper spiritual impact and reinforce the personal prayers of the participants.
- Support and Sharing of Experiences: Group prayer offers the opportunity to share experiences and emotional support with others who have similar spiritual and emotional needs. This can lead to a sense of connection and support, especially in difficult times.
Conclusion
In summary, the concept of a minyan, which requires a minimum of ten Jewish men for certain communal prayers and services, is rooted in biblical and Talmudic traditions. This practice emphasizes the communal aspect of worship and the requirement of Jewish men gathering in a quorum for public prayer.
For Noahides, the approach to prayer is distinct from that of the Jewish community. Although non-Jews are not required to pray in a minyan and there are no specific liturgical requirements, they are encouraged to engage in prayer as an expression of their relationship with G-d. Prayer, whether individual or communal, is a meaningful way for Noahides to connect with the Divine, seek guidance, and express gratitude.
Whether praying alone or in a group, Noahides have the flexibility to choose how they wish to engage in their spiritual practices. Both individual and group prayers offer valuable benefits, enhancing personal growth, community connection, and spiritual fulfillment. Ultimately, the goal for Noahides is to live in accordance with G-d’s will, fostering a deep and sincere relationship with the One G-d.
In any setting, the essence of prayer remains the same: a heartfelt communication with G-d that reflects one’s devotion and commitment. By embracing this practice, Noahides can fulfill their spiritual aspirations and contribute to their own well-being and that of their communities.
For those seeking a form of communal prayer, Sukkat Shalom Bnei Noach offers two different possibilities.
- We have a group chat where everyone can read a Psalm at their own time. The goal of the group is to collectively read all the Psalms with one specific prayer focus. Additionally, through this app, we can pray together for someone who is ill or in need of assistance.
- Furthermore, every evening, we pray with those who wish to join in the recitation of the four Psalms recommended by the Chief Rabbi of Israel at the onset of the war, specifically for the hostages and soldiers. While participation is not mandatory (people join only when they have time), we intend to continue this practice until the war is over. May it be resolved swiftly.
As a group, we have already witnessed many wonderful examples of the positive impact that prayer can have, experiences for which we are all grateful to G-d.
By Angelique Sijbolts
With Thanks to Rabbi Tani Burton for the feedback
Footnotes/ sources
Aish Rabbis Replies: Minyan of Ten
The Divine Code by Rabbi Moshe Weiner 4e edition Chapter 6
Noahide Laws Chapter 17 and 18
Although it is not necessary to have a Noahide Siddur, many people find it a practical tool. For this, you can find several examples on our books page.
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