Chapter 36: Mincha[1]

1. The Mitzvah-Biblical or Rabbinical:[2]

It is disputed amongst Poskim whether there is a Biblical obligation to pray daily, irrelevant of distress or needs, and the final ruling is that the daily prayers are only Rabbinical. Furthermore, even according to the stringent opinion, there is no Biblical obligation to Daven more than one time per day [unless one is in a time of need to make a request from Hashem]. When one Davens one time, whether at day or at night, he fulfills his obligation. Likewise, even according to the stringent opinion, there is no Biblically required Nussach of prayer [and the Nussach of prayer is Rabbinical]. Hence, the prayer of Mincha is Rabbinical.

2. Who is obligated in Mincha?[3]

Women: According to all opinions, women are obligated to pray to G-d at least once a day. However, it is disputed amongst the Poskim as to whether women are obligated to Daven Shemoneh Esrei of Shacharis and Mincha. Practically, the main ruling follows the opinion which holds that women are obligated to Daven Shemoneh Esrei of both Shacharis and Mincha on a daily basis. [See also Chapter 46 for all the details of the prayers that women are obligated or exempt from!]

Children: Children who are above the age of Chinuch [i.e. 6-7 years old] are obligated to be educated to pray Shemoneh Esrei both by evening [i.e. Mincha and Maariv] and morning [i.e. Shacharis]. See chapter 47 for all the details of the prayers that children are obligated or exempt from!

3. The time of Mincha:

See Chapter 3 Halacha 5 for the full details of this subject!

The start time of Mincha-Davening Mincha Gedola:[4] Initially, one is not to Daven Mincha by the time of Mincha Gedola [i.e. half an hour after the Halachic midday], and is rather to Daven by Mincha Ketana. However, Bedieved, one who Davens Mincha by Mincha Gedola fulfills his obligation. Furthermore, some are accustomed to even initially Daven Mincha by Mincha Gedola, and certainly one may do so in a time of need, such as to catch a Minyan or so one can eat a meal or if one is traveling and the like. Likewise, one may even initially Daven Mincha by Mincha Gedola if doing so will schedule one’s day in a way that as a result he will be able to increase his time for Torah learning. Accordingly, many Yeshivos even initially Daven Mincha by Mincha Gedola for scheduling purposes, and so was the custom of the Rebbe to Daven Mincha at 3:15 throughout the year even when it fell before Mincha Ketana had arrived.

At what time may one begin to recite Karbanos for Mincha?[5] The Karbanos for Mincha are not to be recited prior to 6.5 hours into the day, which is 30 minutes after midday, and the earliest legal time in which Mincha may be Davened.

The end time of Mincha-Davening Mincha past sunset:[6] The prayer of Mincha may be recited until evening. It is disputed amongst Poskim as to the definition of “evening,” sunset or nightfall. Practically, one is initially to Daven Mincha before sunset, although one is not to protest against those who are lenient to Daven Mincha after sunset, until Tzeis Hakochavim. This applies both on Shabbos and during the week. In a time of need, such as in the short winter days, one may even initially be lenient to Daven Mincha after sunset, up until nightfall.

Is it better to Daven Mincha in private before sunset than to Daven with a Minyan after sunset? Some Poskim rule it is better to Daven Mincha in private before sunset than with a Minyan after sunset. Other Poskim however rule it is better to Daven Mincha with a Minyan after sunset, then to Daven in private beforehand. It is unclear from Admur as to what his opinion is on the matter.

May one Daven Mincha past Tzeis Hakochavim? No.

May one Daven Mincha and Maariv within Plag Hamincha?[7] It is forbidden to Daven both Mincha and Maariv on a single day within the period of Plag Hamincha. [Some Poskim however are lenient to allow a congregation to Daven both prayers one after the other within the period of Plag Hamincha, if it will be difficult to gather the congregation again afterwards for Maariv. Other Poskim however rule one may only be lenient to do so if one will Daven Maariv after sunset. There are communities that follow the former opinion and Daven both Mincha and Maariv within Plag Hamincha. It is never permitted for an individual that is not part of a Minyan to Daven both Mincha and Maariv within Plag Hamincha, as stated above.]

4. Eating before Mincha:[8]

Large festive meal: It is forbidden for one to begin to eat a large meal starting from a half-hour from before Mincha Gedola [i.e. Chatzos]. In this context, a large meal is defined as a meal of a wedding or circumcision and Pidyon Haben and the like. Rather, one is to first Daven Mincha and only then begin the meal. However, if one transgressed and already began the meal past this time, then one is not required to stop his meal in order to Daven. This applies even if the time of Mincha Ketana has already arrived, so long as there is enough time in the day to Daven Mincha after the meal. In this regard, it is considered that one has begun his meal if he already washed for the bread. If, however, one suspects that the meal may continue until night time then he must stop his meal and Daven Mincha as soon as Mincha Ketana arrives.

Small daily meal: It is permitted for one to eat a small meal, which is defined as a typical lunch meal that one eats daily in his house, even past the time of Mincha Gedola. However, starting from ½ hour before Mincha Ketana it is forbidden for one to begin eating even a small meal until he davens Mincha. However, if one transgressed and already began the meal past this time, then one is not required to stop his meal in order to Daven, so long as there is enough time in the day to Daven Mincha after the meal. In this regard, it is considered that one has begun his meal if he already washed for the bread. If, however, one suspects that the meal may continue until night time then he must stop his meal and Daven Mincha as soon as Mincha Ketana arrives.

Snack: It is permitted for one to eat a snack prior to Mincha. This includes any amount of fruits and any amount of non-alcoholic beverages. One may even eat up to a Kibeitza [55 grams] of bread and up to 55 mL of alcoholic beverages, but not more.

May one eat more than a Kebeitza of Mezonos before Mincha?[9] Some Poskim rule that it is forbidden to eat more than a Kebeitza of Mezonos. Other Poskim, however, rule that it is permitted to eat more than Kebeitza of Mezonos. Practically, one should not eat a Kebeitza or more of Mezonos prior to Mincha.

One who has a reminder: The custom today is to permit one to begin even a large meal past the time of Mincha Gedola and a small meal past the time of Mincha Ketana being that the Gabaiy of the synagogue reminds everyone to come to Shul for the Minyan, and hence there is no worry that what will come to forget to Daven. However, as soon as one is called for the Minyan then and he must stop his meal and Daven. In a community in which the Gabaiy of the synagogue does not remind the congregants to come to the Minyan, then the prohibition returns to its place.

5. Activities that are forbidden to be done prior to Davening Mincha:[10]

Bathhouse: It is forbidden for one to enter the bathhouse within a half-hour to the time of Mincha Gedola until one Davens Mincha.

Steam room: It is permitted for one to enter a steam room past the time of Mincha Gedola until a half-hour close to the time of Mincha Ketana, from which time it is forbidden for one to enter a steam room until one Davens Mincha.

Haircut: It is permitted for one to get a haircut past the time of Mincha Gedola until a half-hour close to the time of Mincha Ketana, from which time it is forbidden for one to get a haircut until one Davens Mincha.

Torah study: It is permitted for one to study Torah past the time of Mincha Gedola until a half-hour close to the time of Mincha Ketana, from which time it is forbidden for one to study Torah until one Davens Mincha.

If one transgressed and began one of the above activities past the time: If one transgressed and began one of the above activities past the above mentioned time, he is not required to stop it so long as there is still time left in the day to Daven Mincha. The start of the bath is defined as when one has removed his clothing. The start of a haircut is defined as when the gown of the barber is placed on his body.

One who has a reminder: It is permitted for one to begin bathing, or getting a haircut past the time of Mincha Gedola and Mincha Ketana if the Gabaiy of the synagogue reminds everyone to come to Shul for the Minyan, and hence there is no worry that he will come to forget to Daven. However, as soon as one is called for the Minyan then he must stop his meal and Daven. Nonetheless, some are stringent not to rely on the reminder of the Gabaiy of the synagogue. In a community in which the Gabaiy of the synagogue does not remind the congregants to come to the Mminyan, then the prohibition returns to its place.

6. Washing hands before Davening:[11]

See chapter 7 Halacha 7 for the full details of this matter!

One is obligated to wash his hands prior to Davening. This applies even if one is not aware of any dirt on the hands. Furthermore, even if one had just finished studying Torah prior to which he had washed his hands, he must repeat the washing prior to prayer.

No available water: If water is not available in one’s current area but is available elsewhere, then regarding if one is required to go to the other area to wash his hands, there’s a difference in this law between clean hands, known as Stam Yadayim, versus dirty hands. [Stam Yadayim refers to hands which are not dirty, and one does not recall touching any the dirty items and areas.] If there is no water available in one’s current location, then by Stam Yadayim he is not required to travel elsewhere for water, and rather he may suffice with cleaning his hands over a stone, or by rubbing the hands on a wall or any other material which cleans. If, however, one’s hands are dirty or touched a filthy area or  he went to the bathroom, then if water is not available in one’s current location, then he must travel up to a mil [i.e. 2000 Amos, 18/24 minutes by foot or available transportation] to a place with availability of water to wash hands prior to prayer. If, however, one fears that if he travels towards the water then he may miss Zman Tefila then he may Daven in his current location, despite the lack of water availability and is to simply rub his hands on something prior to prayer and pray.

7. The Nussach of Mincha:[12]

It is customary to recite the following paragraphs prior to the start of Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha.

1. Parshas Hatamid
2. Ketores
3. We do not recite Seder Hamaracha
4. Ana Bekoach

Ashreiy: The Ashreiy that is recited prior to the prayer of mental is one of the three Ashreiys for which one is guaranteed a portion of the world to come, as the sages state that whoever says the Psalm of Tehila Ledavid three times a day is guaranteed a portion in the world to come. One is required to concentrate upon saying the verse of Poseiach Es Yadecha and if one does not concentrate upon saying it, then he must repeat its recital with concentration.

Half Kaddish: Half Kaddish is recited after Ashreiy prior to Shemoneh Esrei upon Davening Mincha with a Minyan. By a Minyan, Ashreiy should not be said until the Minyan arrives in order so the half Kaddish can be recited immediately afterward. In the event that Ashreiy was recited prior to the convening of a Minyan, and then the Minyan arrived, then the Chazan is to repeat a few verses out loud and then recite the half Kaddish.

Standing: From the moment that the Chazan goes to the Amud the congregation is to stand up in order to pray.

Shemoneh Esrei and Chazaras Hashatz: The Mincha prayer with a Minyan consists of both a silent prayer and a repetition just as is done by Shacharis. There is no Nesias Kapayim during the Mincha repetition and the paragraph of Elokeinu is likewise not recited in the repetition, with exception to a fast day.

Tachanun: After the conclusion of Shemoneh Esrei or Chazaras Hashatz, Tachanun is recited as usual in the same order as said by Shacharis.

Kaddish Tiskabel: Kaddish Tiskabel is recited after the conclusion of Chazaras Hashatz. It may only be recited while still daytime, and hence if nightfall has arrived prior to its recital, then it is no longer to be said.

Aleinu: At the conclusion of Mincha the prayer of Aleinu is recited, which is then followed by the mourners Kaddish.

8. Mincha on a fast day:[13]

Charity: Prior to Mincha one is to give Igara Ditaanisa to charity.

Torah reading: The Torah portion of Vayichal is read during Mincha. This is followed by the reading of the Haftorah. 

Yehalelu: After the reading of the Haftorah, Yehalelu is recited and the Torah is returned to the Aron. This is then followed by half Kaddish. [However, there were years that the Rebbe began the Kaddish immediately after the Haftora as is normally done by Mincha of Shabbos. However, in most years the Rebbe waited for the Sefer Torah to be returned.] 

Aneinu: During Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha Aneinu is recited, as stated in the previous Halacha.

Nesias Kapayim: The Chazan recites Birchas Kohanim in his repetition of Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha. Those places which are not accustomed to do Birchas Kohanim recite Elokeinu during the Chazan’s repetition. [This applies even when Mincha is being davened early, by the time of Mincha Gedolah.] Those that are accustomed to performing Nesias Kapayim daily, are to do so as well by Mincha of a fast day. [However, this only applies when Mincha is being prayed close to sunset. Some rule this to be within thirty minutes before sunset. Others rule it refers to past Plag Hamincha. Others rule it refers to Mincha Ketana. However, when praying Mincha prior to Plag Hamincha Nesias Kapayim is not performed. Nevertheless, one does recite Elokeinu Velokei Avoseinu, as stated above.]

Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu: Tachanun and Avinu Malkeinu are recited during Mincha of a fast day, with exception to when it falls on Erev Shabbos.

9. Mincha Ketzara:[14]

If enough time does not remain for a Minyan to Daven Mincha and recite Chazaras Hashatz, then the Minyan is to Daven a Mincha Ketzara. [However, according to Kabala one is to never Daven a Mincha Ketzara, even if the Minyan is pressed for time. This applies even if the repetition will take place after sunset.]

Its order: If there is not much time left for Mincha, then both the Chazan and congregation begin the silent prayer together, with the Chazan saying his private prayer out loud until the recital of Kedusha which is recited as normal by the Chazan and congregation. The congregation is to silently recite each word together with the Chazan until he reaches Kedusha. After the conclusion of Kedusha the Chazan recites out loud until the end of the blessing of Hakeil Hakadosh and then recites the remainder of the prayer silently and does not perform a repetition. The congregation is to continue to recite each word of the blessing of Hakeil Hakadosh silently together with the Chazan who is saying this blessing out loud, and after which they are each is to pray on their own pace. After the conclusion of the silent prayer by the Chazan, Tachanun is recited as usual, and the Chazan is to recite Kaddish Tiskabel.

Not beginning together with the Chazan: Although in general the congregation is to begin their silent prayer together with the Chazan, nonetheless it is proper for at least one congregant to delay the start of his prayer until after the conclusion of Kedusha and Hakeil Hakadosh in order so he can answer Amen to the blessings of the Chazan, after which he is to begin a silent prayer. If there is an individual present who already Davened Mincha, then it suffices for him to answer Amen to the blessings and all the other congregants may begin their silent prayer together with the Chazan. In the event that the time of prayer is passing, and there is no time for a congregant to delay until after Hakeil Hakadosh, then all the congregants may begin their silent prayer together with the Chazan. Now, in the event that there is much time left in the day, then all of the congregants are to delay the start of the silent prayer until after Kedusha and Amen of Hakeil Hakadosh.

10. Davening Shemoneh Esrei together with the Minyan:[15]

The main aspect of Davening with a Minyan is to begin Shemoneh Esrei together with the Minyan at exactly the same time. Accordingly, one should begin Davening Shemoneh Esrei of Mincha together with the Minyan.[16] If the Minyan already began Shemoneh Esrei, then if one has already heard and answered Kedusha, such as by a previous minyan, or plans to hear it later on from another Minyan, then one may begin Shemoneh Esrei right away even if this will compromise his ability to answer Kedusha with the Minyan. However, if one has yet to answer Kedusha, then if one estimates that he will be able to finish his Shemoneh Esrei in time to answer Kedusha from the Chazan, then one may immediately begin his Shemoneh Esrei. If, however, one will not be able to finish Shemoneh Esrei prior to the Chazan reaching Kedusha, then from the letter of the law, one is to wait and not begin Shemoneh Esrei until after Kedusha of the Chazan and Amen of Hakeil Hakadosh, and even that should only initially be done if one can finish his Shemoneh Esrei before the Chazan reaches Shema Koleinu, in order so one can answer Amen to his blessing. Otherwise, he should wait until after Modim to begin Shemoneh Esrei. [One should not begin Shemoneh Esrei together with the Chazan.] Furthermore, even after Modim one should only start Shemoneh Esrei if one can finish it before the Chazan recites Kaddish after Shemoneh Esrei, otherwise one should wait until after the Kaddish of after Tachanun to begin his Shemoneh Esrei. However, if not beginning Shemoneh Esrei right away will cause one to not be able to complete Shemoneh Esrei before Sof Zeman Tefila of Mincha, then one is to begin right away. In such a case, it is better for one to Daven Shemoneh Esrei within the time, in a way that he can both answer for Kedusha and Kaddish, even if one will miss Modim.

11. 11. Studying Torah between Mincha and Maariv:[17]

It is proper for one to connect day and night with Torah study or prayer, and hence one should study Torah between Mincha and Maariv. It is proper for one to study Pnimiyus Hatorah or Iyun Yaakov during this time and so is the custom of Anash.

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[1] See Michaber 233; Ketzos Hashulchan 26; Shulchan Menachem 137-140; Ishei Yisrael 27; Tefila Kehilchasa 18

[2] See Chapter 1!

[3] See Admur 106:1-4 and 70:1-5; Kaf Hachaim 70 and 106; Piskeiy Teshuvos 70 and 106; Tefila Kehilchasa 1:8-35

[4] See Michaber 233:1; Ketzos Hashulchan 26:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 233:2

[5] Shraga Hameir 7:20; Piskeiy Teshuvos 233:1

[6] See Michaber 233:1; Ketzos Hashulchan 26:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 233:6

[7] See Admur 267:2; M”A 267:1; M”B 267:3; Biur Halacha 267:2 “Umiplag”; Piskeiy Teshuvos 267:2 footnote 19

[8] See Tzemach Tzedek Mishnayos Shabbos; Ketzos Hashulchan 26:2-3, 5

[9] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 232:5

[10] See Michaber 232; Ketzos Hashulchan 26:4-5

[11] See Admur 92:5, 7; Ketzos Hashulchan 12:6; Piskeiy Teshuvos 92:7

[12] Ketzos Hashulchan 26:7

[13] See our corresponding Sefer “The laws & Customs of the Three Weeks” for the full details of this subject!

[14] See Michaber 232:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 232:2; Ketzos Hashulchan 26:7

[15] See Michaber and Rama 109:1-2; Admur 109:1-4; Ketzos Hashulchan 22:15; 26:8

[16] Admur 109:4 and Peri Megadim Ashel Avraham 109:2; Levushei Serud 109

[17] Ketzos Hashulchan 26:9 and 27:4; Igeres Hakodesh 23