- All the Questions
Goyim at Shul/hashkafah of Shul
Question
Shalom,
Two questions:
1.) If a non-Jew is interested in finding out what happens in Shul - purely out of interest, with no malicious intent: is it permissible to bring an aino Yehudi to a Shabbos service in Shul?
2.) If I only have the option of going to a Shul on Shabbos whose hashkafah is less stringent than mine: is it better to go to this less stringent Shul, or not to go to Shul at all? (seeing as I am female and women are not obligated to go to Shul.)
Toda raba,
Lisa (Aliza Chava bat Avraham)
Answer
1. Rav Chaim David HaLevy, former Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv (Aseh L’cha Rav IV, 28), holds that we should not prohibit gentiles, who wish to do so, from entering a shul. We learn the basic laws of the holiness of the shul from the Holy Temple in Y’rushalayim, of which Yishayahu (Isaiah 56, 7) says will be called a “Prayer House for all the Nations”. Although in the Temple there are assigned areas which regular Jews (non-kohanim), women and gentiles are forbidden, and not everyone can go everywhere, we do look forward to the day when the G-d of Israel is internationally recognized and worshipped by all. On the other hand, being that some poskim do prevent it (e.g. Shevet HaLevi, II, 59), it is better not to invite them in, yet if they want to, it is allowed, obviously without their religious paraphernalia. It’s also worth noting that as opposed to Islam and Christianity, Judaism is not at all out to convert others (unless they themselves earnestly want to). We are just interested in them serving and admiring true monotheism and its ideals. Being that there are many types of shuls, it would be wise to choose one which would be a positive experience for them and a Kiddush Hashem.
2.) It is surely better, for men and women, to go to a less stringent orthodox shul than not to attend at all, as long as there is a kosher mechitza (separation) between men and women, to ensure the proper modest atmosphere. In addition, the Vilna Gaon warns that one must be careful, after services, not to utilize the congregation to gossip about others.
With Love of Israel,
Rav Ari Shvat

why is there suffering in the world?
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 3, 5782

Shabbat
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Iyyar 14, 5782

The Meaning of the Abbreviation "Shlita"
Various Rabbis | 25 Tammuz 5765
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Rabbi Ari Shvat
Lectures at various yeshivot, michlalot and midrashot. Has published many books & Torani articles and is in charge of Rav Kook’s archives.

Fasting or giving Tzedaka on seeing Sefer Torah fallen
Shevat 7, 5771

Bircat baalat habayit
Shevat 7, 5771

Ayin hara and Rambam
Tevet 28, 5771

How to manage to not listen Loshon Hara?
Adar I 23, 5771
Genesis 24: 2-9 – Put your hand under my thigh
Rabbi Moshe Leib Halberstadt | Tevet 26, 5770

Cutting hair after lag bomer
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 17, 5772

Shaving after Lag Ba’omer
Various Rabbis | Iyyar 23, 5768

Mezzuzah for Non Jew
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 18, 5773

a mishna
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 16, 5782

Organic Rye flour after Pesach
Rabbi David Sperling | Iyyar 10, 5782

Necktie for Jews
Rabbi Yoel Lieberman | Iyyar 11, 5782
