Learning Next to the Shul

Question: I often learn in the room next to the Beis Hamedrash while they are davening. Do I need to join in for Kaddish, Kedusha, or Barchu?

Answer: The Gemara (Berachos 8b) teaches that one must not walk behind a shul while the tzibbur is davening as this creates the false impression that the person is avoiding tefilla. There are several exceptions, such as where there is another shul nearby, in which case it can be assumed that he intends to daven there. This halacha is codified by Rambam (Tefilla U’birchas Kohanim 6:1) and the Shulchan Aruch (OC 90:8).

R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv (cited in Rivevos Ephraim 1:89), explains that this concern applies only to someone physically present in the shul who refrains from responding. It does not apply to someone learning nearby or passing outside.

R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo Tefilla 9:5; n8) rules that someone engaged in Torah learning while a nearby minyan is davening is generally exempt from responding to devarim shebikedusha, even Amen Yehei Shemei Rabba. However, if he is in the same room or clearly visible to the tzibbur, he should respond to Kedusha and Barchu, as not doing so could appear disrespectful. If he is not nearby, there is no obligation to answer. Still, it is commendable to respond, provided it does not disturb his learning.

R’ Menashe Klein (Mishne Halachos 10:185) discusses the case of a sofer writing near a shul, and explains that since he is engaged in a mitzva, he is not required to interrupt his work in order to respond, particularly if he has already davened. In this context, he cites the view of the Rosh (Teshuvos 4:11, as brought by his son, the Tur OC 90) that one should ideally daven with the tzibbur, as distancing oneself from communal tefilla can convey the wrong impression. However, R’ Klein clarifies that this concern does not apply to someone who has already fulfilled his personal obligation of tefilla elsewhere. Similarly, the Rema (OC 90:18) rules that one should not be engaged in learning inside a shul while others are davening, but again, this restriction is limited to someone who has not yet davened.

In conclusion, one learning near a shul during tefilla is not obligated to respond to another minyan. If he is visible and silence would appear disrespectful, he should answer Kedusha and Barchu. Otherwise, he may continue learning uninterrupted, especially if he has already davened or is engaged in a mitzva.