Overview
The afternoon prayer, Mincha, has two significant time markers:
- Mincha Gedola (מנחה גדולה) — "Large Mincha" — the earliest time for Mincha
- Mincha Ketana (מנחה קטנה) — "Small Mincha" — the optimal/preferred time
These names may seem counterintuitive — "Gedola" (large) refers to when there is still a large portion of the day remaining, while "Ketana" (small) refers to when only a small portion remains.
Talmudic Source
The Gemara Berachos 26b explains:
"The time for Mincha Gedola begins from six and a half hours [into the day], and the time for Mincha Ketana begins from nine and a half hours."
These are sha'os zmaniyos (proportional hours), calculated from sunrise to sunset.
Origin: The Korban Tamid
The time for Mincha corresponds to the afternoon Korban Tamid (daily sacrifice) in the Beis HaMikdash.
Rambam (Hilchos Tefillah 3:2-3) explains:
- The Tamid was usually offered at 9.5 hours (Mincha Ketana) to allow time for private offerings before it
- On Erev Pesach that fell on Erev Shabbos, the Tamid was brought at 6.5 hours (Mincha Gedola) to leave time for all the Pesach offerings
Calculations
| Zman | Hours into Day | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Mincha Gedola | 6.5 sha'os | Chatzos + 0.5 sha'ah |
| Mincha Ketana | 9.5 sha'os | 2.5 sha'os before sunset |
For example, on a day when:
- Sunrise is 6:00 AM
- Sunset is 6:00 PM
- One sha'ah = 60 minutes
Then:
- Chatzos = 12:00 PM
- Mincha Gedola = 12:30 PM
- Mincha Ketana = 3:30 PM
Which is Preferred?
This is a matter of dispute among the Poskim:
Mincha Ketana is Preferred
Rambam and Shulchan Aruch (OC 233:1) write that since the Tamid was normally offered at Mincha Ketana, this is the optimal time for Mincha.
Mincha Gedola is Preferred
Other authorities, including those who view tefillah as corresponding to the Avos (Patriarchs), note that Yitzchak davened Mincha in the afternoon. The principle of "zerizin makdimin l'mitzvos" (the zealous perform mitzvos early) suggests Mincha Gedola is preferable.
Practical Ruling
Aruch HaShulchan (233:12) writes that ideally one should daven after Mincha Ketana, but for any small reason one may daven at Mincha Gedola.
The Mishnah Berurah (233:1) and common practice is that both are fully valid, and one may follow either based on convenience.
Latest Time for Mincha
Mincha may be davened until sunset. In pressing situations, some authorities permit until tzeis hakochavim, though this is not ideal. Note that Plag HaMincha marks the midpoint of the Mincha Ketana period.
If one is davening with a minyan after sunset, they may still answer Kedusha and other responses.
Practical Considerations
- Most shuls schedule Mincha around Mincha Ketana or later
- In the summer when days are long, some shuls offer early Mincha (Mincha Gedola) for convenience
- On Erev Shabbos, many daven Mincha early to have time for Shabbos preparations
- One should not eat a significant meal within 30 minutes of Mincha Ketana (or Mincha Gedola if that's when they plan to daven)