Communal commandment sources?

Question

What are some good (preferably authoritative) sources that explain the concept and legal ramifications of mitzvos tziboriyos - obligations that fall upon the public as opposed to the individual?

I am thinking specifically of the commandment to build the Temple, but general information or information specific to other mitzvos would be great too.

Answer 1

Hm. R' Yosef Rosen Rogatchover spends some time philosophically addressing "what is a tzibur" as a whole vs. the sum of its parts. More on that here: http://media.libsyn.com/media/kmtt/sheelot_teshuvot_eng_10_5770_BTabory.mp3

Whether weekly Torah reading is an individual or communal obligation is well-hashed out in the Acharonim. Afraid I don't have specific references off-hand for that one. I'd say start with later Halacha seforim and work backwards.

As for building the Temple -- you can always try responsa Binyan Tzion (get the name?) #1. Does the Aruch HaShulchan HaAtid deal with it? Probably does.

Wish I had more helpful or solid references. Good luck!