Replacing a Structurally Weak Synagogue Building

Date: 16 Av 5586

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Rabbi Asher

Description

A community wishes to build a new synagogue while the old one's dome is structurally weakened, raising the prohibition against demolishing a synagogue before its replacement is completed. The Chasam Sofer permits proceeding by having the community purchase a room as an interim synagogue through an irrevocable sale, satisfying the requirement of Siman 152 before touching the old building.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer OC §34

View original source

Explore the full interactive rabbinic map →