What is the minimum number of adult Jewish men required for a minyan?
Ten adult Jewish men (bar mitzvah age) constitute a minyan — the minimum community. This number is derived from the ten spies who were called an "edah" (congregation).
Question 2
Which of the following requires a minyan?
The chazzan's repetition with Kedushah requires a minyan. Without 10, the chazzan cannot repeat the Amidah as a communal service.
Question 3
What is the most important quality for a prayer leader according to the Rambam?
The Rambam emphasizes community acceptance above all. A chazzan who imposes himself on an unwilling community is problematic, regardless of his voice or learning.
Question 4
Can a community be forced to accept a prayer leader they don't want?
The Rambam rules that a prayer leader who forces himself on a community that doesn't accept him is problematic. The community's acceptance is essential.
Question 5
Is communal prayer preferable to individual prayer?
The Rambam rules clearly: praying with a minyan is preferable to individual prayer. A person should make every effort to join communal prayer even if it means adjusting the optimal prayer time.