Halachah 1 — Obligation to Establish a Synagogue
Wherever ten Jews reside, they must establish a place for communal prayer, called a Beit Knesset.
The inhabitants of a city may compel one another to build a synagogue and to acquire Tanakh scrolls (Torah, Prophets, and Writings).
Halachah 2 — Location and Structure of the Synagogue
A synagogue should be built at the highest point in the city, and its height should exceed that of other buildings.
Its entrance should face east.
A heichal (ark) should be constructed facing the direction of prayer so that worshipers face it during the Amidah.
Halachah 3 — Tevah and Central Platform
A platform is placed in the center of the synagogue so Torah reading and teaching may be heard by all.
The tevah containing the Torah scroll is placed centrally, directed toward the heichal and facing the congregation.
Halachah 4 — Seating Arrangement
The elders sit facing the congregation, with their backs to the heichal.
The congregation sits in rows facing forward so that all face the tevah, elders, and sanctuary.
The chazan stands on the ground before the tevah, facing the heichal.
Halachah 5 — Respect and Maintenance
Synagogues and study halls must be treated with reverence.
They should be swept and cleaned.
Customs vary by region regarding lighting and seating arrangements.
Halachah 6 — Prohibited Conduct
Frivolity, joking, idle talk, eating, drinking, strolling, or using the synagogue for personal benefit are forbidden.
One may not enter to avoid weather.
Torah scholars and their students may eat and drink in the synagogue when necessary.
Halachah 7 — Accounts and Eulogies
Secular calculations are forbidden unless related to a mitzvah (e.g., charity, redeeming captives).
Eulogies are forbidden unless the deceased is a figure for whom the entire city gathers.
Halachah 8 — Using a Synagogue as a Shortcut
If a synagogue has two entrances, one may not use it as a shortcut, as entry is permitted only for a mitzvah.
Halachah 9 — Entering for Personal Reasons
If one enters to call another person, he should first:
- read Torah,
- cite a halachic teaching,
- or at least linger briefly,
so that his entry is not purely personal.
Halachah 10 — Permitted Actions
One may:
- exit through another door when entering for prayer or study,
- enter wearing shoes,
- carry a staff,
- have dusty feet.
Spitting is permitted if necessary.
Halachah 11 — Destroyed Synagogues
Even when destroyed, synagogues retain their sanctity.
They must still be treated respectfully, though they need not be cleaned.
Grass that grows should be left visible to inspire rebuilding.
Halachah 12 — Demolishing and Rebuilding
One may not demolish a synagogue to rebuild unless the new structure is built first, even regarding a single wall, to prevent permanent loss.
Halachah 13 — Unsafe Structures
If foundations are ruined or walls dangerously leaning, the synagogue must be demolished immediately, and rebuilding must begin without delay.
Halachah 14 — Increasing Sanctity
It is permitted to convert a synagogue into a house of study, but not vice versa.
Proceeds from selling holy items must be used only for something of greater sanctity, culminating in the Torah scroll.
Halachah 15 — Funds Collected for Sacred Purposes
Money raised for a holy purpose may not be redirected to a lower sanctity.
If the original purpose was fulfilled, leftover funds may be used freely.
Synagogue components share its sanctity unless stipulated otherwise.
Halachah 16 — Village vs. City Synagogues
A village synagogue may be sold if all residents agree.
A city synagogue may never be sold, as it belongs to the entire Jewish people.
Halachah 17 — Conditions Upon Sale
When selling a village synagogue, the community must stipulate that it not be used for degrading purposes unless the seven communal officials, with public consent, explicitly permit it.
Halachah 18 — Use of Remaining Funds
If stipulated by the seven officials in public, surplus funds after fulfilling the holy purpose may be used for mundane needs.
Halachah 19 — Authority of an Appointed Leader
If the community grants authority to an individual, his actions regarding the synagogue—sale, gift, and stipulations—are binding.
Halachah 20 — Gifts and Materials
A synagogue may be given as a gift but not rented or mortgaged.
Materials from a demolished synagogue may be sold or given, but not lent.
Halachah 21 — Temporary Prayer Locations
Public streets used for prayer on fast days, or courtyards temporarily used for prayer, acquire no sanctity, since they were not designated permanently for prayer.
