It would be very much appreciated if someone can provide some sources that permit a Jew to enter a church premises (not the actual sanctuary). I've signed up for a classical guitar festival that's in a church, but does not take place in the sanctuary, but rather other rooms within the church's building. This is an activity which would greatly benefit my career should I go, and it's not hosted by the church, but rather a separate organization. I've asked a Rabbi in person, who said yes, but I struggle to find sources. Additionally, would passing through the sanctuary to make it to another room be mutar? Thank you!
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1Why not ask the Rabbi for sources?– N.T.Jun 13, 2022 at 6:52
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2This I recieved from a (neolog) rabbi who entered... guardyoureyes.com/articles/12-step/item/…– BinyominJun 13, 2022 at 7:43
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1@Dovid it explicitly states you cannot enter the sanctuary for any reason– יהושע קJun 13, 2022 at 7:54
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1There are many sources to explore here: rabbimanning.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/… friendly reminder however that Mi Yodeya is not intended to replace the personalized advice of your rabbi: judaism.meta.stackexchange.com/questions/1734/…– DeuteronomyJun 13, 2022 at 14:53
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2The OP asked a Rabbi and received permission - so it seems he is not asking for a psak. He asks us to "provide some sources". Therefore this question should not be closed.– Avrohom YitzchokJun 13, 2022 at 15:15
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1 Answer
Based on my findings it should be prohibited.
The חכמת אדם פ"ד, ט"ז explains that because an Avodah Zara is assur behana'a (one is not allowed to have any enjoyment from it) one can not enter the house of an Avodah Zara and to look at its beauty. There is even a Mitzvah to not walk with 4 Amos of its entrance.
Because Christians believe in שיתוף they are considered ovdei avoda Zara.
Accordingly, Rabbi Ovadia ( יחווה דעת ד,מ"ה) rules that one is forbidden to enter a church.
For further reference see
- Article by Rabbi Shmuel Shapira here enter link description here
- Hidabroot article here
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do the rooms outside the church sanctuary have the din of a beis avoda zara?– ezraJun 22, 2022 at 23:32
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@ezra at a minimum it wouldn't be better than the 4 Amos in front of the entrance– YoreinuJun 23, 2022 at 3:35
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churches can be quite large. it's possible the room will not be within 4 amos. i've also seen churches with such rooms with entrances on the outside of the establishment so entrance into the church's front doors is not necessary– ezraJun 23, 2022 at 5:58