The Synagogue as Travelers’ Inn
About This Entry
A number of texts refer to the synagogue as a place where Jewish travelers could stay as they passed through. See also, for example, the Theodotos inscription.
b. Eruvin 55b
The dilemma was raised before [the sages: In the case of] two partitions [that] have a roof over them, what is [the halakhah? Is this structure also treated like a house?] Come [and] hear [a proof from the Tosefta]: These [are the structures] that are included in [the city’s] extension: A monument [over a grave] that is four cubits by four cubits; and a bridge or a grave in which there is a residence; and a synagogue in which there is a residence for the sexton [ḥazzan—Ed.] [or synagogue attendant, and which is used not only for prayer services at specific times]; and an idolatrous temple in which there is a residence for the priests; and [similarly, horse] stables and storehouses in the fields in which there is a residence; and [small] watchtowers in [the fields]; and [similarly], a house on [an island in] the sea [or lake, which is located within seventy cubits of the city—all of] these [structures] are included in the [city’s boundaries].
b. Pesaḥim 100b–101a
[With regard to] those people who recited kiddush [the ritual wine blessing—Ed.] in the synagogue, [as was customarily done at the conclusion of the prayer service on Shabbat night,] Rav said: They have not fulfilled [their obligation to recite a blessing] over wine [at home—Ed.]. [However,] they have fulfilled [their obligation] of [reciting] kiddush. And Samuel said, “Even [the obligation] of kiddush they have not fulfilled, [and they must recite kiddush again at home].” But according to [the opinion of] Rav, why [should one have] to recite kiddush [a second time] at home [if he has already fulfilled his obligation in the synagogue? He must repeat kiddush] to fulfill [the obligations of] his children and the members of his household, [who did not come to the synagogue]. But [according to the opinion of] Samuel, why do I [need] to recite kiddush in the synagogue [at all, if one does not fulfill his obligation with that kiddush? The purpose of kiddush in the synagogue is] to fulfill the obligations of the guests who eat and drink and sleep in the synagogue.
Notes
Words in brackets appear in the original translation unless otherwise noted.
Credits
From Koren Talmud Bavli, Noé Edition, trans. Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz (Jerusalem: Koren Publishers Jerusalem, 2019). Accessed via the William Davidson digital edition, sefaria.org. Adapted with permission of Koren Publishers Ltd.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
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