עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permissible for non-Jews to enter a synagogue?
Question
Hello Rabbi,
Jews do not enter churches, etc...
Are non-Jews allowed to enter a synagogue? (from a Jewish perspective, of course) A woman to the women’s section and a man to the men’s section...
If someone in the synagogue sees a non-Jew entering, should he prevent him from entering? Or should he rather welcome him happily?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Dear Sir,
A non-Jew is permitted to enter a synagogue. It is also permissible to recite the priestly blessing while he is present there (the Chida, zt"l, in his responsa "Yosef Ometz," Siman 70).
Furthermore, it is evident that there is no concern regarding a non-Jew entering a synagogue— as questioned in "Yabia Omer" Part 3 (Yoreh De'ah, Siman 15) regarding whether it is permissible for the gabbai and shamash of the synagogue to open the Torah scroll from the Ark before a Christian minister or consul when they come to visit the synagogue and request to see the Ark and its contents. He concluded that it is indeed appropriate to be strict about not opening the Torah scroll before non-Jews, out of respect for the Torah scroll. However, if there is concern for enmity, it is permitted to open it before the non-Jew who requests this, provided that the Jew will read at least one verse from it, so that the opening is not entirely unnecessary. Thus, it is clear from his words that there is no concern in the mere act of a non-Jew entering a synagogue.
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
