Is it forbidden to behave with levity (laughter, idle chatter, pointless talk) in a synagogue?
Synopsis
The Mechaber prohibits all forms of levity in synagogues and study halls. The Mishnah Berurah and Aruch HaShulchan extend this to forbidden speech such as gossip and dispute, emphasizing the synagogue's status as a 'minor Sanctuary.' The Ari (R' Yitzchak Luria) was personally stringent not to speak even words of mussar in the synagogue.
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