Is it a mitzvah or sin to bring, a member of a different religion, into a jewish temple for services?

Question

i was wondering, is it a mitzvah or a sin to bring my christian friend to services with me. i am jewish and as i just said he is christian.
thanks

Answer 1

My Orthodox synagogue has seen its share of walk ins by the non-Jewish community, who have been curious. One non-Jewish gentleman came for three months straight. He wanted to understand his Christian faith a little bit better. He did not try to convert us nor did preach to us about his faith. He wore a kippa and was very respective of our traditions and laws. He then thanked us and has not been back. At one time a student of theology (Methodist, I think) came to our synagogue to experience how Jesus prayed when he was alive.
Most Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist synagogues would welcome a stranger if you notify the rabbi in advance. As long as he follows the rules, I don't see a problem with it, nor will the rabbi.

Answer 2

Don't know if it's the same thing. I work in the Jewish community as a Private Baby Nurse and for the Bris, I have to go to Temple and be in the room with the Rabbi performing the surgery and in the Temple for the ceremonial service. Mixing with hundreds of Jews and partaking in the celebration. I believe your Rabbi would be the best to answer this question, because there are so many different sect and beliefs in this religion.

Answer 3

If you're Orthodox, ask your rabbi.

Otherwise, it's certainly not a sin. It's not mitzvah as in commanded, but it could be mitzvah in the popular sense of good deed. Ask your rabbi anyway.

Church youth groups come regularly to our synagogue so they can learn a little more about us and our tradition. Friday evening is generally a better service for visitors than Shabbes morning; it's shorter and there's more singing and less talking.

Answer 4

To be honest with you I don't know a lot about Orthodox Jewish law, but do know a bit about the Bible. I'm a Christian too.

Would like to point out that I'm not sure how your leaders would feel... but technically Christians worship the God of the Jews, so we are not completely "another religion" although by the world we are classified that way. Christians simply have chosen to believe that Jesus was Messiah, while most Jews disagree and believe Messiah has not come yet. Although that is a major point of disagreement, the God of Christians is still the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Answer 5

hi I absolutely were on a Retreat to a Buddhist Monastery, attended Buddhist cermonies, worshipped in a Hindu temple and a Mosque, also a Sikh Temple and a Synagogue. I absolutely have also performed the classic stuff; Sunday college and C of E. i imagine all the reviews were valid notwithstanding the further non secular reviews I absolutely have, the a lot less i comprehend how absolutely everyone will be positive they have the 'proper' faith and that others have the 'incorrect' faith.....it really is why I absolutely have settled on being agnostic. I do savour spirituality and trust there is extra to life than the actual plane, yet as to what's presented; nicely in reality who truly is commonplace with?

Answer 6

Not being Jewish, I can't answer with a certainty about the various laws and canons, but it would seem to me that any service that brings someone closer to a spiritual feeling would be a mitzvah.

Answer 7

It is definitely not a sin. Services are open to all. It would be considered a mitzvah if your friend learned something he did not know - learning is always a mitzvah. If your friend was bored and paid no attention then it would be neither.

Answer 8

you might get some people in your congregation who disagree, but i go to a reform temple, and we have several interfaith couples who attend services with their christian partners. it's not considered a mitzvah or a sin as far as i know, although traditionally there is some discrimination against goyim in more orthodox cultures. as long as your friend is respectful, it shouldn't be viewed as a negative thing by those in your community.

Answer 9

if you are orthodox you should ask your rabbi but in most reform and conservative synagogues it is generally OK. i would not say it is a mitzvah because "mitzvah" means commandment but it would definitely not be a sin because you are opening their eyes to another religion. your friend should be polite and pretty much behave how they would in church.

Answer 10

a mitzvah. synagogues aren't jews-only, you know. anybody can come, whatever their religion.