עברית
Prayer and Blessings
The Difference Between Mincha Gedola and Mincha Ketana
Question
Dear Rabbi, I would like you to explain to me the difference between Mincha Gedola and Mincha Ketana, and whether both are obligatory—does that mean we need to pray four times a day? Thank you in advance.... P.S. You have a wonderful website!!! Keep up the good work!!
Answer
Shalom Ran,
Mincha is the afternoon prayer, the middle prayer of the three daily prayers. Mincha Gedola means praying it half an hour after halachic midday (chatzot hayom). Mincha Ketana is prayed shortly before sunset. However, only one Mincha prayer is said each day. It is permissible to pray sometimes Mincha Gedola and sometimes Mincha Ketana; both fulfill the obligation.
Ideally, one should be careful to pray Mincha Ketana.
