Establishing a Place for Prayer in the Synagogue

Prayer

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Question

Anyone who establishes a place for their prayer, the God of Abraham assists them. Is it sufficient to designate a synagogue, or must one establish a place within the synagogue? And is it permissible to establish one place for Shacharit and another for Mincha?

Answer

One must establish a specific place within the synagogue, and within four cubits of that place is considered as one's place. It is not sufficient to designate only a synagogue. It is permissible to establish different places for each prayer and even different synagogues. It is commendable to establish the synagogue in a place where one studies or listens to a lesson, as stated in the Gemara: "In the place of joy, there shall be prayer."

Source

The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 90, Seif 19, states: "Establish a place for your prayer, do not change it unless necessary. It is not sufficient to designate only a synagogue for prayer, but within the synagogue, there must be a fixed place." The Mishnah Berurah, Seif Katan 60, cites the Magen Avraham: "Within four cubits is considered one place, as it is impossible to be precise."

The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Hilchot Tefillah, Siman 90, Seif 18, states: "A fixed Beit Midrash is holier than a synagogue, and it is a greater mitzvah to pray there than in a synagogue, provided one prays with a minyan."

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