Touring a Shul

Question: May I tour an ancient shul if I don’t intend to daven there?

Answer: The Gemara (Megilla 28a), citing the Tosefta (Megilla 2:18), prohibits using a shul inappropriately. This includes eating, drinking, or walking through it without purpose.

Accordingly, Rambam (Tefilla 11:6) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 151:1) rule that one should not enter or stroll through a shul unless there is a specific reason to do so. The Kesef Mishna (Tefilla 11:6) explains that entering a shul simply to relax or de-stress is not permitted; one should enter only to daven or to read from the Torah.

The Talmud Yerushalmi (Shekalim 5:4) recounts that R’ Chama bar Chanina and R’ Hoshiya once walked through a shul in Lod. R’ Yitzchak Falaji (Yafeh Lelev OC 151:2) explains that talmidei chachamim may do so, as their walks are considered a form of simchas mitzva, helping to prepare the mind for Torah learning and reflection (see Shaar Hatziyon 151:9).

R’ Aharon Epstein (Kapei Aharon 16) notes that although Rambam (Tefilla 11:8) states that one should enter a shul only for a mitzva, in the following halacha (11:9), he permits entering to call a child or a friend, provided one remains briefly inside, as the very presence in a shul is itself considered a mitzva. The Bach (OC 151:3) and Elya Rabba (151:5) clarify that even standing or pausing in a shul, not only sitting, is deemed a mitzva. Based on this, entering a shul to admire its beauty and grandeur is certainly permissible.

In conclusion, it is permitted to enter a shul to appreciate its architecture or historical significance. Nonetheless, it is ideal to enhance the visit by learning some Torah or reciting a few pesukim.