CARR 216

CCAR RESPONSA

Contemporary American Reform Responsa

144. Naming a Building After a Non-Jew

QUESTION: The non-Jewish widow of a prominent member of a community wishes to provide a new wing for the synagogue; it will contain administrative offices and a portion of the religious school. The wing is to bear her name and that of her deceased Jewish husband. Is it appropriate for a building connected with a synagogue to bear the name of a non-Jew?ANSWER: It is clear from the Biblical sources which dealt with Solomon’s Temple that non-Jews were welcome to worship in the temple (I Kings, 8.41 ff) and participated in its construction as did Hiram, King of Lebanon. Furthermore, non-Jewish sacrifices were acceptable (Meg. 73b), as were gifts by pagans unless made with idolatrous intent (Ar. 7b). Much later the famous Bevis Marks synagogue (1702) in London contained a roof beam which was the gift of Queen Anne. There is no mention of specific memorials requested with these gifts, but they were publicly acknowledged as the gift of non-Jews. So, gifts by non-Jews to the synagogue are acceptable as long as they are used in accordance with the desires of the congregation (Yad Hil. Matnat Aniyim 8.8; Tur Yoreh Deah 258; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 254.2 and Isserles, 259.4). As far as the name of the wing is concerned, such buildings have in the past been named for individuals, for the district in which they were located, or the street on which they were found, and these were often not Jewish names. The fact that one donor is a Gentile would not preclude naming the building for this couple. This gift surely demonstrates that the generous widow is one of the hasidei umot haolam, and we should grant her appropriate honors.April 1983

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