Friday Night Ma'ariv: The Magen Avos Prayer

Why do we not say Magen Avot Friday night when praying in a private minyan?

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

The sages instituted the Magen Avos prayer in the Friday night Ma’ariv. It is intended to resemble a “mini repetition of the Amida (Shemoneh Esrei).”(1) One should stand when Magen Avot is recited. (2)

The primary reason that Magen Avot was instituted was because in ancient times the synagogues were located outside the city and returning home alone at night was considered to be dangerous. By instituting Magen Avos, and slightly prolonging the Ma’ariv service, those who arrived to the synagogue late and may have need more time to “catch up” would have that time and not be forced to walk home alone.(3) In some instances, one who arrived late, or was otherwise unable to recite the Amida, could simply listen to the chazzan ’s recitation of Magen Avot and thereby discharge his obligation to pray.(4) So too, some sources teach that Magen Avot was instituted to replace the Kiddush prayer at a time when wine was not widely available. (5) Even though the two primary reasons for the enactment of Magen Avos no longer applies, once the sages enacted it, it cannot be rescinded.(6)  

Magen Avot is not recited in a private or temporary minyan because it was instituted specifically for the synagogue. (7)  Indeed, it is further explained that private and temporary minyans are unlikely to have many latecomers (8)  and would have been located within the city, thereby negating any concerns for the safety of those walking home alone. Nevertheless, there are those who even recite Magen Avos at occasional or temporary minyanim.(9)  This is especially true if there is a Torah scroll present.(10)  One who is praying alone may recite the Magen Avot paragraph (but not the opening and concluding blessings).(11)

[1] Rashi, Shabbat 24b.

[2] Rivevot Ephraim 1:189:3.

[3] Shabbat 24b with Rashi, Ran, and Meiri; Mordechai , Shabbat 407. See also Machzor Vitri 105.

[4] Gra, OC 268:13.

[5] Yerushalmi Berachot 8:1; Tosafot, Pesachim 106b. For more reasons see Ritva, Shabbat 24b.

[6] Ritva, Berachot 24b; Meiri, Pesachim 100b; Tur , OC 268; Taz , OC 268:8; Or Zarua , Erev Shabbat 20; Kol Bo 11:35.

[7] Beit Yosef , OC 268; OC 268:10.

[8] Beit Yosef , OC 268.

[9] Magen Avraham 268:14; Taz , OC 268:8. See also Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 76:7.

[10] Mishna Berura 268:24.

[11] Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 76:5; Mishna Berura 268:21