| A. In a previous Halacha Yomis we noted that two groups of five men who cannot see each other in separate rooms do not constitute a minyan. However, Shulchan Aruch (OC 55:20) writes that once a minyan is formed in one location, the Shechina (Divine Spirit) is present, an individual outside the room can latch onto the minyan (even if they cannot be seen). The outsider may answer 'Amen' to berachos and respond to Barechu and Kedusha. However, poskim dispute if those in a separate room are part of the minyan to the extent that they are considered to be davening with a minyan (tefilla b'tzibur). The Chayei Adam (quoted by the Mishnah Berurah, 55:58) holds it is not tefilla b'tzibur, while the Aruch Hashulchan (55:23) rules that it is. What if the individual outside the room is visible to the members of the minyan? The Mishnah Berurah (55:52) writes that in this situation, it certainly would be considered tefilah b'tzibur, however he seems to indicate that nonetheless it is preferable to be in the same room as the minyan. (See Piskei Teshuvos (55:26) for an alternate interpretation of the Mishnah Berurah that would permit this even lichatchila.) With respect to our original question, based on the above, it is questionable if the group on the lawn are considered part of the minyan and have the benefit of tefilla b'tzibur. It is clearly preferable for those davening on the lawn to stand where they can be seen by those on the deck, and that way they will be full-fledged members of the minyan. |
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