Entering a Church

Rikki Novetsky asks: At the Ma'ayanot community service fair, I signed up to be a part of the Bergen County Youth Council for the Homeless -- basically a youth group that comes together around once a month to create fundraisers and food/clothing drives for the homeless people of Bergen County (apparently there's a lot of them, although coming from my Jewish bubble, I never knew). I found this group to be quite intriguing, since I've always found appeal in helping out the people closest to home. The only problem is, the first meeting is at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus, New Jersey. Can I go to the meeting? I highly doubt it would take place in the actual chapel area, and the meeting would be to benefit the disadvantaged. I am also aware of, however, the prohibition of entering a church.

Hi Rikki, great question! The issue of entering a church depends on whether Christianity today is considered Avodah Zarah and if a church would be considered a בית עבודה זרה that one would be forbidden to enter. There is a מחלוקת over whether or not Christianity is considered idolatry forbidden for non-Jews (due to their belief in the trinity), or just for Jews. The Rambam (Hilkhot A"K 9:4) says it is, while the Rama (YD 141:1) says it is not, since Christians combine their belief in G-d with another power, something called שיתוף, which while forbidden to Jews, may be permitted to non-Jews. The Meiri has a radically different opinion, stating that when the Gemara uses the term "idolaters", it is referring to "lawless nations". Therefore, Christians today, if they follow a moral and ethical code, would not be part of this category at all.

With regard to entering a Church for non-worship purposes, I can't comment about your specific case (you should probably consult your local posek), but Rav Moshe Feinstein (YD 3:129) forbid entering a church even just to look at paintings or architecture (a question that comes up a lot when people travel to Rome). For more on his position and that of Rav Soloveichik, you can click here.

Your question reminded me of an interesting debate that came up when Rabbi Haskel Lookstein participated at a prayer service at the National Cathedral in honor of President Obama taking office. The Rabbinical Council of America criticized Rabbi Lookstein for entering a church under these circumstances. There is an interesting exchange found here and here, and also here, defending/criticizing Rabbi Lookstein's decision. Rabbi Lookstein's rationale for why he decided to participate is found here.