Ark Located on Synagogue's North Wall

5752.4

Our synagogue, which was constructed in 1881, is oriented so that the Ark is permanently fixed into the northern wall. During the prayers, when one would normally face east, towards Jerusalem, should we face the Ark?

The question regarding the orientation of the synagogue has been answered fully in American Reform Responsa, #18, pp. 61-63, where the sources of the tradition are set forth and its maintenance is strongly urged.

The well entrenched tradition of facing east has always known exceptions. Thus, in Brooklyn, among the synagogues which are still in use and others which have been abandoned, there are three (one Reform, two Orthodox) where the Ark is placed on the north wall; two (one Reform, one Conservative) where it is on the south wall; and one on the west wall. The last one is a fairly new congregation, established as an outreach operation of the Lubavitch Movement, in a formerly centrist Orthodox synagogue built in 1925. The Orthodox group uses the basement sanctuary and faces west, because on that level the eastern end of the structure is occupied by lavatories, and it would be considered unseemly to turn in that direction for prayer.

In Toronto, two large congregations are built near each other and both have their front entrances on the west side of the street. One faces west in prayer because of it, while the

other, more traditional one, manages to have worshippers enter by as circuitous route, so that the Ark could be placed on the eastern wall.

We do not advise that you contemplate a restructuring of your synagogue. To do so, more than a hundred years after it was built, would seem to cast aspersions upon the Jewish commitment of those who erected, paid for, and maintained structure. Most likely this matter was considered by the pioneers, who acted in good faith. Let their decision be respected so long as their successors enjoy the bounty of the founders.

Since the Ark with its scrolls is the synagogue's focus of sanctity, the congregation should turn toward it during the service.

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