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Why is it that some people won't set foot in another's sanctuary, even if it was for a non-prayer function? Can an orthodox person be in a reform style temple sanctuary for a lecture or concert? I understand possible discomfort with prayer services but sanctuaries are often used for other purposes.

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Hi, joeyb! Welcome to mi.yodeya! Thanks for jumping right in with such an excellent and power-packed question. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes some time and maybe iterations before there's a complete answer. If you feel the need to respond to any of the answers, I recommend leaving a comment on the answer. Please consider registering your account so that you'll have access to all of mi.yodeya's features. To do this, click on register or login at the top of the page, click on the icon for a service you use (eg GMail), and follow the prompts. – Isaac Moses♦ Dec 23 '09 at 6:34
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I believe R' Moshe Feinstein has a responsum regarding an Orthodox rabbi performing a wedding at a heterodox synagogue, in which he says "your job as rabbi is to perform weddings, regardless of location", but I don't recall if he addresses the sanctuary-vs-social-hall aspect. Hopefully I'll find it later?

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See haoros.com/Archive/index.asp?kovetz=862&cat=9&haoro=3, haoros.com/Archive/index.asp?kovetz=866&cat=9&haoro=5, haoros.com/Archive/index.asp?kovetz=867&cat=9&haoro=3, and haoros.com/Archive/index.asp?kovetz=868&cat=9&haoro=5 for various points/counterpoints on this, including a discussion of R' Moshe's various teshuvos relating to this issue. – Alex Apr 27 '11 at 23:07
I don't have a source available, but this is what I have seen in practice: in smaller Orthodox communities, where Orthodox synagogues don't have ample space to host events (Bar/Bat mitzvah, wedding, etc.) they will often rent the social hall of a large Reform or Conservative synagogue. HOWEVER - they will never enter the sanctuary, for any reason. I have seen a chuppah set up in the lobby, with guests packed in tightly, while on the other side of the double doors, a large empty sanctuary room sat unused. (The reception was in the social hall). – user1095 Feb 13 at 20:23
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