Obligations of a city's residents

Hi,

"A city's residents compel each other (even the minority compelling the majority) to build a wall, doors and a bolt for the city, and to build a synagogue, and to acquire a Torah, Prophets and Writings for anyone who wishes to read them, from communal funds."

כופין בני העיר זה את זה, (אפילו מעוט כופין את המרובים) (רבינו ירוחם נל"א ח"ו), לעשות חומה, דלתים ובריח לעיר; ולבנות להם בית הכנסת; ולקנות ספר תורה נביאים וכתובים, כדי שיקרא בהם כל מי שירצה, מן הצבור 

(Shulchan Aruch, Choshen Mishpat 163:1)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The value of prayer in the synagogue

Hi,

"Abba Binyamin said: A person's prayer is heard only in the synagogue, as it is written, 'To listen to the song and the prayer' - in the place of song, there will be the prayer.

"Ravin bar Rav Ada cited Rabbi Yitzchak: How do we know that Gd is found in the synagogue? It is written, 'Gd stands in the congregation of Gd.' And how do we know that Gd is present when ten pray? It is written, 'Gd stands in the congregation of Gd.'"

תניא, אבא בנימין אומר: אין תפלה של אדם נשמעת אלא בבית הכנסת, שנאמר: לשמוע אל הרנה ואל התפלה, במקום רנה שם תהא תפלה. אמר רבין בר רב אדא אמר רבי יצחק: מנין שהקב"ה מצוי בבית הכנסת שנאמר: אלקים נצב בעדת א-ל; ומנין לעשרה שמתפללין ששכינה עמהם - שנאמר: אלקים נצב בעדת א-ל

(Talmud, Berachot 6a)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Quarrels within a synagogue

Hi,

"One may not pray in a place which will distract him, or at a time when he will be distracted. Therefore, an individual or group experiencing open or concealed enmity, or anger, or a quarrel with the community will not be able to pray in an acceptable way, and they are not permitted to pray there, for their thoughts are distracted and they cannot focus in their prayers. This is certainly true if people overtly antagonize him, constantly. This is all the more true if the anger is with the leaders of the community. Were I not afraid to say it, I would say that it would be better to pray privately than to pray with a group of people with whom his mind was not at peace."

(Responsa of Radvaz 3:472)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

The Sanctity of the Synagogue and Study Hall

Hi,

"“You shall be in awe of My mikdash” - This refers to the sanctified places, after the Beit haMikdash is destroyed.

"It refers to the synagogues and study halls, which remain holy even though the Beit haMikdash is destroyed. It is said (Yechezkel 11:16), “And I have been for them a miniature sanctuary [in their exile],” and the sages explained this to mean, “These are the synagogues and study halls. (Megilah 29a)”"

(R' Ovadiah Seforno to Vayyikra 26:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Building synagogues vs. Saving lives

Hi,

"Rabbi Chama bar Rabbi Chanina and Rabbi Hoshia were walking among the synagogues of Lod. Rabbi Chama bar Rabbi Chanina commented to Rabbi Hoshia in admiration, 'How much money my ancestors sunk in here!'

"To which Rabbi Hoshia replied, 'How many lives your ancestors sunk in here! Weren't there people to support in the study of Torah?'"

(Talmud Yerushalmi, Peah 8:8)

Have a great day,
Mordechai