Chapter 13:1-5
The Sanctity of a Synagogue
1.The sanctity of a synagogue or a house of study is very great. We are
warned to be in awe of the One who rests within them, G-d, blessed be His
name, as [Leviticus 19:30] states: "Fear My sanctuaries." This applies to a
synagogue and a house o study, for they are also called sanctuaries, as
[Ezekiel 11:16] states: "I will be a small sanctuary for them" and
[Megillah 29a] interprets: "These are the synagogues and houses of study."
Accordingly, it is forbidden to engage in "idle talk" or to reckon accounts
inside them. [The later does not apply] to accounts associated with a
mitzvoh - e.g., that of the charitable fund and the like. These buildings
should be treated with respect, and swept and mopped. Candles are lit in
them to show them honor.
One should not kiss one's small children inside these buildings. In these
places, it is not fitting to show any love other then the love of G-d,
blessed be His name.
2.Before one enters them, one should clean the mud off one's feet and
check that there is no dirt on one's person or on one's clothes. It is
permitted to spit inside. However, one should immediately rub out the
spittle with one's foot. *
* {On the Sabbath, it is forbidden to rub out the spittle. However, one
should pass one's foot over it (Mishnoh Beruroh 151:25).}
3. One should not enter them in the heat [only to seek refuge] from the
heat, or in the rain [only to seek refuge] from the rain. If one has to
enter to call a colleague, one should enter, recite a verse, a mishnoh or a
prayer, or listen to others studying - at the very least, he should sit for
a while, for sitting in these buildings is also a mitzvoh - and then call
his colleague.
4. It is forbidden to eat, drink, or sleep, even a short nap, inside these
buildings. For the sake of a mitzvoh - for example, on Yom Kippur night -
one may sleep them. However, one should move away from the holy ark.
Similarly, it is permitted to eat there for the sake of a mitzvoh, as long
as no drunkenness or light-headedness is involved.
People who study there on a regular basis may eat and sleep there, even for
extended periods, so that they will not neglect their studies.
5. When constructing a synagogue, it is necessary to consult a Torah Sage,
who will give directions how it should be built.
