Why No “Barchu” at Mincha?

Question

Barchu acts as a call to prayer at Shacharit and Maariv services.
Why is there no Barchu at Mincha service?

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    It is a fascinating question! The Sefer Levush cites Rabbi Abraham Azulai that when the chazan announces “Barchu,” the congregation answers “Baruch Hashem Hamevorach Leolam Vaed.” It is an expression of gratitude that we have been blessed with a soul.

    The Kabbalists teach that there are five components to the soul: Nefesh, Ruach, Neshama, Chayah and Yechidah. Therefore the response of the congregation: “Baruch Hashem Hamevorach Leolam Vaed” is comprised of five words, with each word corresponding to one of the dimensions of the soul. Accordingly, Barchu is not recited at Mincha because we have already proclaimed our thanks in the Morning Service.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team

  2. ev ba
    April 14, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    Since we have already proclaimed our thanks to have been blessed with a soul in the Morning
    service, then one could argue that Barchu does not need to be recited at Maariv service.
    But Barchu is definitely recited at Maariv. Your thoughts?

  3. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team
    April 15, 2021 at 6:48 am

    The Borchu at night is because in Jewish tradition each new day begins with the nightfall. Therefore, when we declare Borchu at night it is for the new day. If so, perhaps the question really should be asked about the Borchu of the morning. Our Sages teach that at night our souls are removed from our bodies and cleansed in the Spiritual realms. That means that when we come to pray the Morning Service we are proclaiming our thanks for our souls having been returned to us.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team