The Synagogue as Travelers’ Inn
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.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
