Behavior in Shul: Some Basics

Levity is forbidden in synagogues and batei medrash. Levity includes joking, laughing, fooling and idle conversation, among other things. (Orach Chayim 151)

Idle conversation even includes talks about secular subjects that is permitted elsewhere, such as business matters, not to mention generally forbidden talk, such as Lashon Hara, rechilus and vexatious speech. (Mishneh Brura ibid.)

During the Chazan's repetition of Shmoneh Esray the congregation must remain silent, concentrate and answer "amen" after each bracha. If there are not at least nine concentrating on the brachos, then they are virtually brachos levatalah. Therefore each person should conduct himself as if there will not be nine concentrating without him. (Orach Chayim 124)

Even reciting Tehilim or other prayers and learning Torah are forbidden during the Chazan~s repetition of Shmoneh Esray. (Mishneh Brura, ibid.; Derech Moshe Hanispach L'sefer Hagan, section 28)

Conversation is strictly forbidden during the Chazan's repetition of Shmoneh Esray. If one speaks at this time, his sin is too great to bear, and he must be reprimanded. (Orach Chayiml24)

We have witnessed the destruction of a number of synagogues due to this sin. (Mishneh Brura, ibid., quoting Eliyah Rabba)

Once Krias Hatorah has begun, it is forbidden to talk, even words of Torah. It is highly questionable whether one may even learn Torah silently instead of following the Torah reading. (Orach Chayim 146; Beur Halacha, ibid.)

It is forbidden to talk or learn during any other part of davening, even during the recitation of supplementary piyutim that one is not accustomed to say. (Orach Chayim 68) Idle conversation is forbidden even when the congregation is not praying, i.e., before and after davening. (Derech Moshe Hanispach L'sefer Hagan sec tion 29, quoting Rambam)

If a person cannot control his talking in shul, it is preferable that he pray at home and not attend shul at all. (Kaf Hachaim, Orach Chaim 151)

Although it is a mitzvah to attend synagogues and batei medrash, if someone engages there in idle conversation, his sin outweighs and vanquishes the mitzvah. Those who talk should be rebuked and even shamed publicly., regardless of their wealth or position. (Derech Moshe Hanispach L'sefer Hagan, section 29)

A person must make it clear to others that he does not talk in shul, and he should do so in a way that makes them want to act as he does. (Sefer Peleh Yoetz)

One who talks in shul shows his contempt for Hakodosh Boruch Hu. He drives out the Shechina and causes it to depart from klal Yisroel. He is a transgressor who induces others to sin, causes the galus to be prolonged and prevents prayers from being heard. He has no share in the G-d of Israel. (Zohar; Sefer of Tzadikim; Sefer Shaarei Teshuva; Hagolos Yesh Nochalim L;avi Hashalo)

Hashem deflects every accusation of the Soton against the Jewish people with his attribute of Mercy. But when the Soton calls attention to their idle chatter and disrespect in shul, Hashem has no response, so to speak, for even gentiles conduct themselves with awe and reverence in their places of worship. Hashem there upon gives the Soton permission to wreak destruction. (Sefer Mikdash M'at 2:2; Derech Moshe Hanispach L'sefer Hagan, sec tion 8)

Our Torah leaders cannot evade the sins of their generation. Either their influence prevents or mitigates those sins or they are punished for those sins or they are drawn to join in committing those sins. (Shabbos 33b; Sefer Chasidim; Shaloh) in our time, the last of these alternatives seems to predominate. When this occurs, the innocent may suffer for our misdeeds. (Shabbos 33b)

Follow these halachos no matter what those around you say or do. Cultivate your personal sense of Hashem's constant and that when you enter a shul or bais medrash you are in immediate proximity to the Shechina, quite literally. If you do not believe this, cannot take it seriously of feel indifferent to it, recognize that you have a serious problem of fundamental faith that is necessarily infecting all of your Torah learning and observance. Pray to the Ribono Shel Olam for help and seek guidance from an authentic Torah personality.

Don't enter a shul or a Beis Medrash until you are ready to start praying or learning. Keep your eyes, your mouth and your mind occupied with the words of prayer or Torah in your siddur or sefer from the moment you enter until the moment you leave. Be firm in rejecting the advances of anyone who tries to interrupt, no matter how well intentioned. When you need a break, step out into the hall.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

YES! I want to commit myself, b'li neder,  to refrain from idle speech during Davening and the reading of the Torah. Please enter my name on the list of those who have taken it upon themselves to respect the kedusah of the Bais Kenesses, the sanctity of the synagogue, to restore Kavanah and concentration to Davening, and to dedicate their time in Shul to Avodah Shebelev, worship of the heart.

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