Most Ideal Time For Mincha

Halacha Moment
May 28
2 min read

The Daily Halacha Moment - Most Ideal Time For Mincha

״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

What's the most ideal time to pray Mincha?

Answer:

If one encounters a situation where a minyan is praying during bein hashemashot—the period of twilight that begins after shekiyah (around 13.5 minutes)—the proper course of action depends on one's custom. According to Ashkenazi authorities, it is preferable for an individual to pray Mincha alone before shekiyah, rather than join a minyan that will be praying after sunset during this halachically ambiguous time.[1] This is due to the Ashkenazi concern for fulfilling Mincha within its ideal halachic timeframe, which they hold ends with shekiyah. In contrast, Sephardic poskim maintain that it is preferable to wait and join the minyan, even if it means praying during bein hashemashot (13.5 Minutes after Shekiyah), rather than davening alone before Shekiyah.[2]

Additionally, there is a clear preference in Sephardic halachah for praying Mincha at mincha ketana, approximately two and a half hours before sunset, rather than earlier in the day at mincha gedola, half an hour after halachic midday. This timing better reflects the ideal time for Mincha, established in the Talmud and codified by Sephardic authorities. However, when one is unable to find a minyan that prays at mincha ketana, and the only available option is a minyan that prays at mincha gedola, it is still better to join that earlier minyan rather than daven alone later in the day.[3] The mitzvah of praying with a minyan remains a central value, even if it means compromising slightly on the ideal time for Mincha.

Sources:

[1]. Mishnah Berurah 233:14.

[2]. Yalkut Yosef 89:16; Yechaveh Da'at 5:22.

[3]. Yalkut Yosef 89:15.

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