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We present a collection of halachos on questions relating to Jewish denominations that do not recognize the primacy of Torah, from Halacha2Go.com and AskTheRav.com.

By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Mara D’asra and member of the Crown Heights Beis Din

Q. Is one allowed to teach in a conservative or Reform school?

A. As a general rule, it is unacceptable to teach in such a school, regardless of where it is situated, unless the school is absolutely independent from the conservative temple, and the Jewish studies in all classes are in a kosher manner. #3930*

Q. May I attend a social event at a Reform temple?

A. The Gemara asks: “Chased by a would-be assassin and a snake ready to strike, the victim passes a house of heresy, may he enter?”

Halacha clearly forbids a Jew to enter a beis avoda zara (house of idol-worship) or minim (heretics). We keep a general distance of four amos (about six feet) from the place of worship and should not even pass through the courtyard of the building. “Harchek me’aleha darkecha” (distance your path from it), the passuk in Mishlei warns.

Yet in circumstances of sakana (mortal danger) many prohibitions are suspended. When in danger, the Gemara states, better enter a beis avoda zara than one occupied by minim—for idol-worshippers reject He whom they don’t know, but heretics knowingly deny Him.

Contemporary poskim discuss whether establishments that do not ascribe to the tenet of Torah min HaShamayim (the Divine origin of the Torah—e.g. religious institutions of the Reform and Conservative movements) are similar to idolatrous temples—or perhaps even worse—houses of heresy. In addition to the obvious issur of davening there (or even answering Amen to their prayers), it is forbidden to enter during the prayer service for any reason. This is on account of the restriction of mar’is ayin (appearance of wrongdoing) since observers may assume that the person is entering to worship. As well, a religious Jew associating with such a place may be considered abetting wrongdoers or lending a form of legitimacy to their movement—but all these apply primarily to being in the sanctuary, especially during services.

If a kosher event is being held in a social hall that is separate from the place of prayer during a time that is not set aside for prayer, there is some room for leniency b’sha’as ha’dechak and with Rabbinic guidance. But there are those who still strictly avoid entering even another part of the building, ever, on account of the severity associated with a temple as a house of avoda zara or of minim, as outlined in the Gemara. Halagha2Go #695

Can I watch a conservative rabbi?

Q. I was recently sent via WhatsApp a speech from a conservative rabbi speaking favorably about Chabad that was filmed in his sanctuary. I have several questions here:

(a) Is it permissible to listen to words from a Reform/Conservative rabbi if they are favorable words?

(b) Is there a difference if it was filmed in his sanctuary or not?

(c) What if it was filmed on Shabbos?

A. As long as there’s no heresy in those words it’s not forbidden but it’s still inappropriate to watch such videos. If it was actually filmed by a Jew on Shabbos, one may not watch it. #23417

Musical Prayer Service

Q. I was asked to come and even invite others to join a musical prayer service hosted by a conservative temple. Can I attend?

A. [Musical prayer services is quite a serious issue, regardless of the venue.]

As regards your actual question: Anything which can be interpreted in any way as a tacit approval of the movement or temple is unacceptable. This is in contrast to the individuals where tolerance and often even acceptance is encouraged.*

Reform Books: Garbage or Shaimos?

Q. I found a big book on a shelf in shul that is put together by Reform “rabbis” supposedly “based on Tanach.” I hesitate if to put it in the garbage because I believe it quotes a lot of Tanach. On the other hand, I think it would be disrepectful to the geniza to bury it with real Shaimos. What should be done with such a book?

A. Put in geniza. But not together with other sefarim. #4800*

Using furniture from a Reform temple

Q. I’ve been offered pews from a temple and was wondering if it would be okay to accept this donation or would it be unacceptable for us to do so. If yes, how about the Bima and Aron Hakodesh?

A. The pews may certainly be used. The bima and aron should not be used. #20499*

BIMA in the Middle of Shul

The bima is placed in the center of the shul to enable everyone to clearly hear krias ha’Torah (the Torah reading). Another reason for placing the bima there is because it represents the Mizbeach HaPnimi which was positioned in the center of the sanctuary between the Menorah and the Shulchan.

…However, the main reason for placing the bima in the center of the shul is because the Reform synagogues place the bima next to the aron kodesh (the Torah Ark); since it is forbidden to emulate the ways of those who do not adhere to Torah law, we place the bima davka (specifically) in the center of the shul.

Nevertheless, it doesn’t have to be positioned exactly in the center, but may be placed slightly to either side. At the very least there should be one row of seats between the Aron HaKodesh and the bima in order for it to be considered being in the center of the shul. In a Beis Medrash, a place designated for Torah study, and not for davening (prayer), there is more room for leniency regarding the placement of the bima. Halacha2go #411

*References are available for this Halacha on: www.Halacha2Go.com and www.AskTheRav.com

Please note that these halachos apply in general situations, if you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rav.

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