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Is it permissible to consider a group of of men on the Internet simultaneously a Minyan? If so, could Kaddish be recited at that moment?
Thank you very much for your question. Although we commonly like to think that Cyberspace is a separate existence from reality that has no boundaries, the truth of the matter is that although we may be more efficiently connected through the Internet, this “joining together” does not qualify for a Minyan. To form a Minyan we must have 10 adult males in one room. Even if nine would be in one room, and the tenth would be in a separate room but can hear the other nine, this does not qualify as a Minyan.
The details of these laws are discussed in the Shulchan Oruch, Orach Chaim 55:13, and in the Kitzur Shulchan Oruch/ Concise Code Of Jewish Law 15:4.
Take care,
Rabbi Aaron Tendler
