What Happens in Minyan?
The complete story of Minyan, from the first scene to the last, in 212 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Set in the 1980s within the Russian Jewish community of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, the story follows 17-year-old Samuel H. Levine, a gay teenager struggling with a volatile home life. While his mother is overbearing and his father is physically abusive, David finds solace in his relationship with his widowed grandfather, Ron Rifkin.
Seeking a fresh start, Josef decides to move into a smaller, subsidized apartment. He brings David along, securing residency by promising the local rabbi that they will help complete a minyan—the quorum of ten men required for Jewish prayer. In this new environment, David forms a bond with Christopher McCann and Mark Margolis, a closeted gay senior couple living in the building. The pragmatic nature of their community is highlighted by the building manager, who remarks:
“Thieves, adulterers, homosexuals. I take them all, without them, we would never have our minyan”
Living away from his parents allows David to explore his sexuality more freely, spending time cruising local libraries and parks. His journey leads him to a gay bar where he meets Chris Perfetti, and eventually forms a sexual relationship with the bartender, Alex Hurt. Through this connection, Bruno provides David with essential education regarding the perils of AIDS, which was beginning to devastate the gay community at the time.
Minyan Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
12 key events in the order they happen, from “Growing up in Brighton Beach” to “Bruno teaches David about AIDS”. 10 events name a place, across 5 locations.
- 1
Growing up in Brighton Beach
David, a 17-year-old gay teenager, lives with his Russian Jewish family in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He endures frequent beatings from his father and an overbearing mother who constantly meddles in his life. As a result, he forms a much closer bond with his widowed grandfather Josef than with either of his parents.
When:1980s Where:Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
- 2
The school debate
David's mother insists that he enroll in a Jewish school, arguing that he will not get beaten up there for being Jewish. David, however, would prefer to attend public school. The disagreement underscores the tension between his mother's protectiveness and his desire for independence.
Where:Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
- 3
Josef downsizes and takes David along
David's grandfather Josef decides his apartment has become too big for him and chooses to move to a smaller one in subsidized housing. He takes David along with him, offering the teenager an escape from his difficult home life. This move sets the course for David's new life.
Where:Brighton Beach, Brooklyn
- 4
Approved for residency after committing to a minyan
Josef meets with the rabbi assigned to approve residency in the apartment block. He is approved after committing himself and David to make up the quorum required for a Jewish prayer circle, known as a minyan. The obligation ties grandfather and grandson into the religious life of their new community.
Where:The subsidized apartment block
- 5
Freedom away from his parents
Now living with Josef, David is finally away from his parents' control. He is free from his father's beatings and his mother's constant interference in his life. This newfound independence gives him room to begin exploring who he really is.
Where:The subsidized apartment block
- 6
Befriending Herschel and Itzik
David befriends Herschel and Itzik, a closeted gay senior couple living in the same building. The neighbors choose to view the two men simply as friends rather than acknowledge their relationship. Their companionship gives David a glimpse of what a long gay life can look like.
Where:The subsidized apartment block
- 7
The building manager's tolerant philosophy
The building manager explains that he has no problem with Herschel and Itzik living together. "Thieves, adulterers, homosexuals. I take them all, without them, we would never have our minyan," he declares. His pragmatic acceptance captures the quirky, open spirit of the building's community.
Where:The subsidized apartment block
- 8
Cruising parks and the library
Living away from his parents, David begins to explore his sexuality more fully. He cruises the parks and the local library, where young gay men hang out. These outings introduce him to the hidden gay world of 1980s Brooklyn.
Where:Parks and the local library
- 9
First step inside a gay bar
One night, David enters a gay bar for the first time in his life. It marks a major milestone in his self-discovery, bringing him into an openly gay social space. The visit connects him with people who will shape his understanding of gay life.
When:One night Where:A gay bar
- 10
Meeting Eric and Bruno
Inside the bar, David meets Eric, who buys him drinks, and Bruno, the bartender. Eric's friendly attention gives David his first taste of gay nightlife and camaraderie. Bruno's presence leaves a lasting impression that will prove significant for David.
Where:The gay bar
- 11
Intimacy with Bruno
David and Bruno eventually have sex, one of David's first experiences of gay intimacy. The encounter draws the naive teenager closer to the more experienced bartender. Through Bruno, David starts to learn about the realities of gay life beyond simple desire.
- 12
Bruno teaches David about AIDS
Bruno teaches David about the perils of AIDS, which is just starting to spread through the gay community. The sobering lesson introduces David to the health crisis looming over the world he is only just entering. It casts a shadow over his otherwise exciting sexual awakening.
Quiz
How well do you remember Minyan? Test yourself on the story.
