The Bimah

Hi,

We have been learning about synagogue construction.

The bimah, on which the Torah is read, is to be in the center of the shul. [We are taught that this is to mirror the mizbeiach, the altar in the Beit haMikdash.]

For mystical reasons, there should be no more than six steps ascending to the bimah.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 150:5; Mishneh Berurah 150:12)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The synagogue door

Hi,

We have been learning about synagogue construction.

The entrance to the sanctuary should be directly opposite the Aron [Ark], so that one who enters bows toward the Aron.

Therefore: Since we live west of Israel, and so we bow toward Israel, the entrance to the sanctuary should be on the west wall, and the Aron on the east wall.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 150:5; Mishneh Berurah 150:10, 11)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Synagogue Zoning

Hi,

We have been discussing synagogue construction.

If a Jew is building near a synagogue in a way that his own building will deleteriously affect use of the synagogue - such as by blocking sunlight coming into the windows - the Jewish community is authorized to stop him.

(Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 150:4)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Height of a Synagogue

Hi,

We have been looking at synagogue construction.

The synagogue is supposed to be taller than any residence in town, per the verse (Proverbs 1:21), 'You (alternatively: "she") will call out at the tops of the noisy streets.' However, this is not an absolute requirement.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 150:2)

[Note: I have heard that churches are built with spires for the same purpose.]

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Synagogue interior design

Hi,

We have been discussing synagogue construction.

The bimah of the synagogue, where the Torah is read, should be in the middle of the sanctuary. As I have been taught, this is to parallel the mizbeiach (altar) from the Beit haMikdash.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 150:5)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Building a Communal Library

Hi,

Interestingly, in presenting the laws of building a synagogue the Shulchan Aruch includes an obligation to create a communal library, so that all will be able to come study.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 150:1; Mishneh Berurah 150:3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Breakaway Synagogues

Hi,

Yesterday we began discussing the imperative for a community to construct a synagogue.

The Mishneh Berurah, citing Radvaz, says that this should, ideally, be a single synagogue for a geographic community. If there is strife, then the community should work to end the strife. Only if the strife is irresolvable, and fights are continually springing up, should they proceed to build a new synagogue.

(Mishneh Berurah 150:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai