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Conservative Judaism/Sale of shul
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Question
If a congregation must disband because there are few members left and the shul must be sold, by halacha, is it permissible to sell the building to a church?
Dear Betty,
Thanks for writing and it is a question facing many congregations as demography causes movement of populations.
The most responsible answer I can provide is to contact the movement/denomination with which you synagogue has affiliated or even identified itself if no longer affiliated. Ask that movement for guidance, and you will be "true to the tradition" of your synagogue.
In terms of Jewish law, there are legal "loopholes" which have been used to the best of my knowledge by synagogues of all denominations to transfer title to property from a synagogue to a church.
Of course all othis "sale" presupposes that everything of Jewish relevance, symbolism, memorial plaques, etc. are removed and exempted from the sale. For many synagogues, a merger with another synagogue will include moving the stained glass windows. So, when I say remove everything, I meant that I have seen it!
Best wishes
Rabbi Dov
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Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Expertise
Write to me with questions about Jewish customs and law, history, philosophy and tradition for answers from a Conservative perspective or conversion. I am a graduate of The Jewish Theological Seminary and a member of the Conservative Rabbinical Assembly. Having served in congregational pulpits since 1970, I now am President of the Foundation For Family Education, Inc. a non-profit educational endeavor. I established it to create new formats of hands-on programs and provide free educational downloads at www.jewishfreeware.org. In addition to general informational questions I welcome your questions about programs for social action, outreach to dual-faith families, inter-faith clergy projects, healing services, education for conversion, adult education for the congregation and the community. If you have questions about Informal and Formal Education I am ready to share my extensive experience with Youth Activities, Camping and Religious School/Hebrew High School on a congregational, community and national/international level.
Experience
I have served on the National Youth Commission for more than 25 years and serve on the Boards of the Conservative Zionist movement MERCAZ and the World Council of Synagogues. I have always dual-families and taught candidates for conversion with a great sense of fulfillment. I am very proud of 25 years on the Jewish camping staff of Camps Ramah. My greatest source of pride is my family! Ask me about them, please!:-)
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