Sanctifying Objects for Use in the Synagogue
14. One who makes a candelabrum or a lamp for a synagogue: until the name of the owners has been forgotten from them, it is not permitted to change them for another purpose; once the name of the owners has been forgotten from them, it is permitted to change them for another purpose. [ . . . ]
16. If a gentile dedicated a beam to a synagogue, and “for the name [of God]” was written on it, we inquire of him. If he says, “I vowed as a consecrated item,” we bury it; if he says, “I vowed for the synagogue,” we cut out the place of the name of God, bury it, and use the rest. A vessel of the Most High: until it has been used for the purposes of the Most High, a commoner is permitted to use it; once it has been used for the purposes of the Most High, a commoner is not permitted to use it. Vessels that were initially made for commoners may not be made for the Most High. Stones and beams that were originally hewn for a synagogue may not be constructed into the Temple Mount. Stones of the sanctuary and courtyards that were damaged and extracted cannot be redeemed and require burial.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.