Halachot of the Building of the Shul

From Halachipedia

Building a Shul

  1. The local Jewish community can force its members to pay for the building of a Shul and buying a Tanach.[1] Nowadays, the community can even force its members to pay for buying other sefarim such as mishna and shulchan aruch.[2]
  2. The Shul should be built at a high elevation in the town. Additionally, it should be the tallest building in the town with the exception of buildings that aren't used for dwelling space. [3]

Selling a Bet Knesset

  1. In general, it is prohibited to sell the bet knesset of a city. However, it is permissible to sell the bet knesset of a village. [4]

Activities Appropriate for a Shul

  1. One shouldn't be involved in light-headedness, frivolity, idle chatter, eating, or drinking in a Shul.[5]

Dismantling a Bet Knesset

  1. It is prohibited to demolish a bet knesset in order to build a new one. Rather, a new bet knesset must be built and then the old one can be taken down. [6]
  2. The same law applies regarding a bet midrash, and it does not make a difference whether the ownership is public or private. [7]
  3. It also does not matter if a more beautiful bet knesset will be built as a result of demolishing the current one. [8]

Sources

  1. ↑ S"A 150:1
  2. ↑ Aruch HaShulchan 150:1
  3. ↑ S"A 150:2
  4. ↑ Talmud Bavli, Masechet Megila 26a
  5. ↑ S"A 151:1
  6. ↑ S"A 152:1
  7. ↑ Mishna Brurah 152:1
  8. ↑ Mishna Brurah 152:2
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