minyan

• minyen
• minyon

From Hebrew מִנְיָן (minyán, “number, count, quorum”).

• (UK, US) IPA^(key): /ˈmɪn.jən/

  • Audio (Southern England)

    (file)

• Rhymes: -ɪnjən
• Homophone: minion

minyan (plural minyanim or minyans)

1. The minimum number of ten (male) adult Jews required for a communal religious service.
   • 2009, Charles London, Far from Zion, page 256:

     So without my visit, if Simon didn't attend, a minyan would be hard to come by.

   • 2010, Ari Goldman, Living a Year of Kaddish: A Memoir, page 27:

     As mourners cannot attend synagogue during shiva, a minyan gathers for morning, afternoon, and evening services in their home.

2. (by extension) A Jewish prayer service.
   • 2009, Charles Simon, Building a Successful Volunteer Culture, page 137:

     New people assume leadership positions as required and stay around for as long as the minyan meets their needs.

   • 2012, Andrea Lieber, The Essential Guide to Jewish Prayer and Practices:

     Tefillin are not used on Sabbaths and holidays, so unless you attend a minyan on weekday mornings or grew up in a home where men prayed daily, this practice may be unfamiliar to you.