Shul Archives - AskTheRav

Can a Shliach try to have Hashpa’ah on a Reform community in such a situation?

Full Question: On page two of this interview with Rabbi Riskin, he quotes a Psak that Horav Soloveitchik A”H gave him about a frum rabbi sitting in Reform temple,…

I often Daven at various Shuls where the Aron Hakodesh is not on the eastern side of the Shul and everyone Davens towards the Aron Hakodesh. Should I nevertheless face east?

The Tzibur should face Mizrach, even if the Aron Hakodesh is in a different direction. However, If the Tzibur is facing the wrong direction, one should not change from their…

Is there any room to permit placing a Bimmah in the front of a Shul?

The Bimah may not be in the front of the shul. If absolutely necessary, there is room to permit so when there is at least one row of seats between…

Where does the Rebbe give his ruling about a Mechitzah in a Shul?

In many places - see references below. Sources: אג״ק ז ע׳ שט. שם ע׳ שכח. יד ע׳ רכח. יח ע׳ שצד. יט ע׳ עד. כג ע׳ קנו. שם ע׳…

Someone got possession of a church’s furniture, and donated the tables and chairs to a Shul. The Shul does not know where it came from. Someone who knows the source of the furniture is asking if it’s OK for the Shul to use it, or does he have to tell them where it’s from?

There is no need to notify the Shul. Sources: ראה פמ״ג קנד במ״ז סק״ח שהביא דברי המג״א קנג, טו שספסלים הם בגדר תשמיש קדושה. ועכ״ז כת״ש שעשה מעשה להיתר…