CCAR RESPONSA
American Reform Responsa
20. Placing of Piano in Front of Ark
(Vol. LXV, 1955, p. 91)QUESTION: We are making plans for a series of concerts to be given in our Temple. Would it be proper to place a grand piano on-the pulpit, so close to the Ark?ANSWER: The Rabbis held that when the Ark was closed it was as if the Torah were housed in a separate chamber (Tur, Yoreh De-a 282). This is the reason why the preacher is permitted to face the congregation with his back to the Torah in the Ark. But the Ark itself, housing the Torah, assumes a special sanctity which ought to be respected. It might not be amiss, therefore, to place a stage screen in front of the Ark and thus render it inconspicuous without, at the same time, detracting from the general appearance of the pulpit.Israel BettanIf needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.