Studying Torah in the Synagogue

Yet I have been to them as a little sanctuary [in the countries where they have come] (Ezekiel 11:16). R. Isaac said: This [is referring to] the synagogues and study halls in Babylonia. And R. Eleazar said: This [is referring to] the house of our master, [i.e., Rav,] in Babylonia, [from which Torah issues forth to the entire world].

Rava interpreted [a verse] homiletically: What is [the meaning of that] which is written: Lord, You have been our dwelling place [in all generations] (Psalm 90:1)? This [is referring to] the synagogues and study halls. Abaye said: Initially, I used to study [Torah] in [my] home and pray in the synagogue. Once I heard [and understood] that which [King] David says: Lord, I love the habitation of Your house (Psalm 26:8), I would [always] study [Torah] in the synagogue, [to express my love for the place in which the Divine Presence resides].

It is taught [in a baraita]: R. Eleazar ha-Kappar says: In the future, the synagogues and the study halls in Babylonia will be [transported and] reestablished in Erets Yisrael, as it is stated: Surely, like Tabor among the mountains, and like Carmel by the sea, so shall he come (Jeremiah 46:18). [There is a tradition that these mountains came to Sinai at the giving of the Torah and demanded that the Torah should be given upon them.] And are [these] matters not [inferred through an] a fortiori [argument]: Just as Tabor and Carmel, which came only momentarily to study Torah, were [relocated and] established in Erets Yisrael [in reward for their actions], all the more so [should] the synagogues and study halls [in Babylonia], in which the Torah is read and disseminated, [be relocated to Erets Yisrael].