Does a prior stipulation (tenai) at the time of building allow secular use of a synagogue after its destruction?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that a condition made at the time of building allows secular use after destruction (outside Israel), but not while the synagogue stands. Disgraceful uses (planting, communal financial calculations) are not permitted even with a condition. In Israel, no condition ever suffices. The Magen Avraham limits this to explicit conditions, not assumptions. There is a debate between Rishonim about whether the condition can also permit use while standing.
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