Should Ashkenazi synagogues in Eastern Europe orient the ark precisely toward Eretz Yisrael (southeast) or due east?
Synopsis
Because communities in Poland and Russia are northwest of Eretz Yisrael, due east is not exactly toward Eretz Yisrael. The Levush rules the ark should be built toward the southeast. The Aruch HaShulchan defends the widespread custom of due east. The Rema rules against orienting precisely toward sunrise since that resembles pagan sun-worship.
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Discussion
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