Freshmen and Sophomores are now required to attend Mincha three days a week, while Juniors and Seniors have two mandatory days, under a new policy Ramaz implemented this year. 

The change marks a shift from recent years, when Mincha moved from being mandatory, to being loosely enforced, and even optional. Assistant Principal Rabbi Kenny Schiowitz said the administration decided to reinstate more mandatory days because it now feels better equipped to manage multiple gradewide davenings and wants to reinforce an important Ramaz value that “Tefillah is a part of the regular schedule”. 

At the same time, the school has kept one or two optional days for each grade, reflecting what Rabbi Schiowitz describes as “returning to Ramaz’s roots,” balancing religious obligation and student choice. “Students have a choice to opt in instead of being mandated every day,” he said, adding that the “nice vibe in the optional minyan” is filled with students who genuinely care about praying and want to be there. The optional minyan is considered a way for students to make a decision for themselves, not merely an opportunity not to daven.

Not all students agree with the addition of mandated days.  “It feels like I’m forced and that makes it less meaningful,” said Daniella Bitton ‘29. 

When the new policy was announced, Rabbi Schiowitz acknowledged that he “thought students would complain more,” as he understands that many enjoy having a break in the afternoon.

“Mincha became a synonym for homeroom,” he said. Even though many did not go to Mincha when it was optional, this year there seemed to be a fine turnout on optional days, according to Rabbi Schiowitz. Ultimately, Rabbi Schiowitz explained that this rule will likely be evaluated and increasing the amount of mandatory days for the whole school is in discussion.