tabernacle?

Question

is there a rule as to which side the tabernacle should be placed?

Answer 1

Yes.
Midships, always.

Answer 2

For the Catholic Church, at least, the document "Built of Living Stone" has some information:

The location of the Tabernacle

74 There is a number of possible spaces suitable for Eucharist reservation. The revised General Instruction of the Roman Missal states that it is more appropriate that the tabernacle in which the `Blessed Sacrament is reserved not be on the altar on which Mass is celebrated." The bishop is to determine where the tabernacle will be placed and to give further direction. The bishop may decide that the tabernacle be placed in the sanctuary apart from the altar of celebration or in a separate chapel suitable for adoration and for the private prayer of the faithful. In making his determination, the bishop will consider the importance of the assembly's ability to focus on the Eucharist action, the piety of the people, and the custom of the area. The location also should allow for easy access by people in wheelchairs and by those who have other disabilities.


The "General Instruction on the Roman Missal" also speaks on the subject:

GIRM, no, 315:
"It is more in keeping with its meaning as a sign, that the tabernacle in which the Most Blessed Sacrament is reserved not be on the altar on which Mass is celebrated.

Moreover, the tabernacle should be placed, according to the judgment of the diocesan Bishop:

a: either in the sanctuary, apart from the altar of celebration, in the most suitable form and place. not excluding on an old altar which is no longer used for celebration;

or even in another chapel suitable for adoration and the private prayer of the faithful, and which is integrally connected with the church and is conspicuous to the faithful."

Answer 3

3 reasons you could be asking the question.

1. you already know an answer, and just want to show off a little piece of knowledge you looked up somewhere - disgusting

2. you are trying to antagonize some religious group, without doing enough research to ask an intelligent specific question - disgusting

3. you are building a tabernacle - highly unlikely, if you were building a tabernacle you'd already know what the specs are - disgusting.

Answer 4

Schneb gave me a link which has lots of interesting information about the temple. I have been to the site in Jerusalem several times and find this very fascinating.

Answer 5

If your asking which way should it face then yes.
Read Exodus