Guide
Respect for the Synagogue
1st–6th Centuries
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
How to Show Respect for a Synagogue
[With respect to] synagogues, [we] do not treat them with irreverence: One should not enter them in the heat because of the heat, nor in the cold because of the cold, nor in the rain because of the…
Primary Source
Selling a Synagogue
1. Townspeople who sold the town square may buy a synagogue with the proceeds. [If they sold] a synagogue, they may buy an ark with the proceeds. [If they sold] an ark, they may buy covers [for…
Primary Source
The Palestinian Talmud on Proper Use of a Synagogue
Samuel said: If he entered without intending to use it as a shortcut, he may use it as a shortcut. It was stated: One may not behave unbecomingly in synagogues and houses of study. One neither eats…
Primary Source
y. Megillah 3:4, 74a
This floor mosaic from a synagogue in Beth Shean depicts menorahs to either side of a Torah shrine, each flanked by a shofar and incense shovel. This panel of the mosaic was likely located in front of…
Primary Source
Against Christian Reverence for Synagogues
But since there are some who consider the synagogue to be a holy place, we must say a few things to them as well. Why do you reverence this place when you should disdain it, despise it and avoid it?…
Primary Source
The Babylonian Talmud on Proper Use of a Synagogue
Rami bar Abba was [once] building a synagogue. There was a certain old synagogue [that] he wished to demolish, and bring bricks and beams…