Public & Private Worship in Jewish Communities (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What is the minyan?

• Many Jews believe that there must be a minimum of ten people present for certain prayers to be said

  • This is called a minyan, which is required for certain religious prayers and rituals in Judaism

  • Traditionally, a minyan requires ten Jewish men aged 13 or older

    • However, in Reform and some Conservative communities, women can also count towards the minyan

  • A minyan is required for:

    • Reciting the Kaddish (mourner’s prayer)

    • Reading from the Torah

    • Leading the Amidah (central prayer)

Why is the minyan important?

• There are certain parts of the Jewish service that can only be done with a minyan

  • So, without a minyan, some rituals cannot take place, especially at funerals or daily services

• Attending a minyan shows commitment to G-d and to the community

  • Each individual helps the group reach the necessary ten; this teaches mutual responsibility

• The practice is part of Jewish tradition and based on biblical sources (Numbers 14:27), where a group of ten men is referred to as a congregation

What is communal prayer in Judaism?

• Communal prayer in Judaism refers to Jews coming together to pray as a group, usually in a synagogue

  • It is an important part of Jewish religious life and has religious and social significance

  • Jews believe it is good to pray together as a community (kehillah)

    • A minyan allows for public prayer, which is considered more powerful than private prayer

Why is communal prayer important in Judaism?

• There are many reasons why praying communally is important in Judaism:

• Communal prayers fulfil the religious requirement of praying as a group (minyan) for certain prayers, such as the Kaddish or the Amidah

• This ensures that key parts of Jewish worship are said together, not alone

• Praying together creates a shared identity and reminds Jews that they are part of a larger, global community

• Communal prayers can act as encouragement and support, especially at times of mourning or celebration

• Jewish teachings state that G-d’s presence is especially strong when people pray together

• Many Jews feel a strong connection to Jewish history and tradition when praying communally in a synagogue, often using ancient prayers

What is daily private prayer in Judaism?

• Praying in private is important to many Jewish people

• Some Jews may even believe that it is not necessary to attend the synagogue daily and choose to pray at home instead

• There are many different ways in which private prayer can take place:

  • Jews often pray as soon as they wake up, using water to purify themselves for the day ahead 

  • Many Jews aim for a recitation of a morning prayer called the Modeh Ani to be the first thing they do upon waking

  • Waking in the morning means that G-d has chosen to return the soul to the body, so the Modeh Ani thanks G-d for the gift of another day

  • Before each meal, many Jews bless G-d and thank him for the food

  • Before going to sleep, Jews will often say the Shema

Why is daily private prayer important in Judaism?

• There are many reasons why Jews might decide to pray privately rather than communally:

  • Private prayer gives Jews the opportunity to speak directly to G-d in their own words

    • It helps to develop a personal connection, beyond formal synagogue services

  • Jews are expected to pray three times a day, and it might not be convenient or possible to attend the synagogue or form a minyan

  • Private prayers help Jews to pause and reflect on their individual actions, life and faith

  • Daily private prayer encourages discipline and strengthens faith

  • Private prayers might help Jews live by the mitzvot (commandments) and stay connected to their Jewish identity

What are the views of different Jewish traditions on worship and prayer?

• Different Jewish traditions share core beliefs about worship and prayer, but they differ in how they are practised, the language used and the roles of those involved

• Orthodox Jews view prayer as a commandment from G-d, and prayer must follow traditional forms

  • Prayers are said in Hebrew, preserving ancient tradition

  • There are also strict rules about the roles of different genders during worship

    • Only men count in a minyan

    • Men and women usually sit separately in the synagogue

  • Men wear the Tefillin and Tallit during daily worship

  • There is also more likely to be a traditional set liturgy with fewer changes made

• Reform Jews may believe that prayer should focus more on personal meaning and spiritual connection

  • The language used in worship is usually both Hebrew and the local language

  • Men and women worship as equals, and both can lead the service and count in a minyan

    • There is also mixed seating where men and women can sit together

  • The use of the Tefillin and Tallit is optional for both men and women

  • Services are much shorter and can be adapted and may include modern music or readings

• Conservative Jews follow traditional liturgy but allow some modern interpretations

  • The language used in worship is mainly Hebrew, but there are some parts using the local language

  • Gender roles in worship vary between groups, with some following Orthodox practice but some allowing full equality

  • Services tend to strike a balance between tradition and adaptation