עברית
Faith
Can Someone Who Has Already Prayed Count Toward a Minyan?
Question
Sometimes I have no way of knowing in advance whether I will be able to make it to Mincha at the synagogue, and because of the doubt I am forced to pray individually at Mincha Gedolah. My question is: if, after I have already prayed, an opportunity arises to pray with a minyan before sunset, or to join and complete a minyan in a synagogue or at a memorial service where Mincha is prayed later, may I participate in the prayer? If so, in what manner? Only by answering Kedushah and Kaddish? And does my presence count toward the minyan if I am the tenth person asked to complete the minyan for the sake of a mitzvah?
Answer
Peace and blessings,
A. You should answer Kaddish and Kedushah, as well as Baruch Hu uBaruch Shemo and Amen during the repetition of the prayer leader, and you should also say with the congregation Ashrei and Aleinu l'Shabeach (Mishnah Berurah, siman 65, se'if katan 9).
B. Even though you prayed earlier, you may join a minyan, as long as there are six people in the minyan who have not yet prayed (Responsa Yechaveh Da'at, part 5, siman 7).
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
