Starting from the concepts of Personal Devotion and Congregational Devotion, we must understand that historically there has been a type of liturgy for each. In the case of personal liturgy, we could say it follows a basic scheme, whereas congregational liturgy includes additions and privileges for that special moment. However, this leads to a question: What is the minimum number of members for a congregation?

The word used to refer to this minimal group representing the congregation is the Aramaic Minyan (מניין), which means ‘quantity’. However, the reference we have today to understand this number comes from Talmudic rabbinic writings, where it is assumed to be the number of ten men over the age of 13.

This creates confusion because most assume that during the time of the apostles, the Minyan was understood in the same way. However, we must clarify that the only record we have from the 1st century regarding this number is found in Matthew 18:20, which is an older text recording the reliable teachings and conclusions of the Messiah. Though this text speaks of Havruta pairs, the writer uses a broader principle to apply it to what constitutes that “quantity” (Minyan), where two or three gather or synagogues to pray (Tefilah), in harmonious melody. This underscores that in Hebrew thought, the synagogue service, lacking sacrifices, is collectively termed Tefilah (‘prayer service’ תְּפִלָּה, ‘supplications’ פִּלְלוּל).

It could also be that the Talmud is correct and no such debate existed, but the apostles defining it as two persons shows a distinction. This distinction cannot be arbitrary because there was always respect for what was well done, even by Jesus (Matthew 23:3; Acts 23:5). Thus, there had to be a new update of the term as part of the jukim the Messiah had established.

Therefore, there are prayers, supplications, petitions, and thanksgiving to be offered on behalf of an individual and those to be offered on behalf of the community of faith (in Minyan). For example, the Torah reading is done on behalf of the congregation only on the second and fifth days of the week, each Sabbath, Rosh Chodesh, and during the Moedim. When someone is invited to lead the Baruch, by the Shaliach Tzibbur or by the Gabai, it is not as an individual but as part of a congregation of faith, joined by others responding: Baruch Adonai Jam’vorach Leolam Vaed (Blessed be the Lord, who is blessed forever and ever). Similarly, in the Amidah, when said quietly, it represents the individual, but when said aloud (Hazara), each individual represents the community of faith to which they belong. The same applies to the Kaddish, which is said only in Minyan, as it is a praise that always reminds us that we are part of a community and that there are things that can only be experienced as part of it, hence depending in many ways on that congregation.

Why is this remnant representing the congregation counted as men and not women? Because a woman represents personal and spontaneous prayer, as Hannah did, while a man represents society and formalism, as David did. A woman represents private and silent power, while a man represents public power. This is not a law but part of the liturgical form of service under normal conditions. However, it should be clear that although there were very influential women with marked leadership in the history of the nation of Israel (such as Miriam or Deborah), they never formed part of the cultic liturgy of the community but fulfilled other leadership roles, even over men.

[1] Talmud, Berachot 6a

[2] Havruta is the Mishnaic word referring to companions gathering for study in debate, under principles of harmony and love.

[3] Term used by Matthew (συνηγμένοι) in Jewish Koine Greek referring to a synagogue-style gathering, hence its infrequent use in secular Greek.

[4] The word symphonesosin (συμφωνήσωσιν) used by Matthew refers to a ‘harmonious or melodious singing’ during Tefilah. It gives rise to our modern word ‘symphony’.

[5] The number 2 holds various biblical meanings: It symbolizes union and separation, contrasts and parallels, and the minimum accepted witnesses.