I am going into a church in a few weeks for my adopted Niece's comfirmation (She asked me to be there) and I also asked my Rabbi if it is Okay and he said that he has no problem with that. If my Rabbi has no problem then I do not think it would be a problem with you.

Editor's Comment

I may be mistaken, but isn't Halachic tradition commentary on the Torah, not the Torah itself? If so, then whatever Halachic commentator's say cannot be taken as infallible. Also, I am familiar with the concept of the oral Torah, but oral traditions sometimes change over time because of human error. In my mind the rabbi who advised that going to a confirmation is not a sin is right. Also, one thing I highly disaprove of is when many Jews make assumptions about other religions from the point of view of a Jew and not that of a member of the religion they are observing. I have gone to Catholic schools for several years and understand the Catholic point of view on the Trinity. The Trinity is best described as a three-branched tree. The three-branched tree as one whole is G-d, and each of the branches is one part of the Trinity. The tree wouldn't be a three-branched tree (G-d) if it didn't have all three branches, just as each branch wouldn't exist if it wasn't connected to the whole.

Editor's Comment

I stand to be corrected but I remember hearing a few years ago from a certain noted lecturer that today entering a mosque is also forbidden. He explained that although Maimonodies permits it nevertheless later Rabbis forbade it, explaining that since Islam subsequently started using the moon and stars as their symbol, it somehow reflects some sort of idol worship in which people worship the moon and stars which thus forbids entering a mosque like a church.

Editor's Comment

Although it is difficult for me to understand a Trinity being aligned with the the concept of One G-d, I imagine many could say it is no different than the Sephirot in Kabbalah - different aspects of one being. Far more difficult for me is the statues of the saints who (especially in the case of Mary) are prayed to directly. This is very hard for me to distinguish from idol worship and made me extremely uncomfortable the two times I entered Catholic churches in order to eulogize dear friends.

Editor's Comment

Im a muslim, and i find it quite offensive when someone tells me I worship the moon and the stars. The cresent moon and star symbol has nothing to do with Islam. you will not find these symbols in a mosque, nor do muslims take them as a religious symbol, like the cross with the christians, or the star of david with israel. The cresent moon and star are symbols that were bore on the standards of the ottomans, and is a symbol of the ottoman dynasty, hope thats cleared up any misunderstanding, as in Islam polytheism, idol worship and paganism of anyform is unnacceptable, it is known as Shirk and the only unforgivable sin, the oneness of G-d (tawheed) is one of the most fundamental concepts of Islam.

i agree with mr.simon. we, muslims we never worship moon or stars. even our prophet muhammad peace be upon him, hates worshipping astronomical objects.

rabbi n. silberberg got it right. the reader who is offended at it being impermissible to enter a church is dead wrong. as my orthodox syrian rabbi explained to me (affirming rabbi silberbergs position) a mosque does not pose a problem basically because muslims believe in the one true g-d, basically the same g-d. christians, as rabbi silberberg stated, believe in a trinity, which is polytheistic. one could try to have it both ways and say it is monotheistic and explain the three in one concept but that does not wash with me. ask a christian who they worship and they will say jesus, a human. in fact there are representations of mere people in churches that catholics worship. this is contrary to judaism and islam. the christian god is not he same god as the jews and muslims and chritianity is in fact a polytheistic religion that is trying to have it both ways. therefore entering a church is not permissible and a rabbis personal opinion to the contrary is invalid.

I wrote this a while back:

"It's amazing how little power a church over me has- in fact, it has absolutely none at all.

I don't have an urge to block my ears when I hear Christian singing (in fact, I've come to appreciate it) I don't turn away when I hear a sermon (I'm actually interested in other religions), and I don't regard those beautiful sanctuaries all over the world with hidden scorn (they're marvelous structures, truly)>

But I do know that a church has no sway over me. I do not feel a small jump in my heart when I see one, and I don't have a sudden urge to turn away. Instead, I have a prelude of a Jewish song (and this is actually true) before I see a church. It seems to me that this is like a soft message from G-d, reminding me about my Jewish identity and how I love it...because I do. And so, the church does come into view, I am not moved by its presence."

So can't we go into a synagaouge if we aren't moved by the church's qualities in no way whatsoever?

I'd like to know, as a muslim, is it permisable for me to visit a Synagogue?

The people at AskMoses are doing a great job. Keep up the good work.

Editor's Comment

I have read the comments each has posted. It's amazing to read about everyones beliefs. Whether they should or should not enter anothers house of worship. I don't understand why it can be so offensive to enter anothers house. Do you really believe something would happen by doing this? Are your beliefs so fragile, that they would not survive by doing such any act. For me just because I enter someone else house, does not mean I have to give up all my beliefs, I respect others for there own. G-d has created ALL of us, but all of us are totally different, different races and of course religions. And I believe this was G-d's plan for humanity. How can we assume that each of us are the only one's with the right relgion? I truly feel that when we are at home with G-d, all races, with all the different religions will be in one house, G-d's house, to worship G-d in the way he meant us while here walking on earth. I am sorry if I have offended anyone. But this is just MY belief. Be well.

Muslims believe in one true G-d, like jews, but they also believe that Mohamed is the last prophet or messenger from G-d, doesn't it make this a reason to prohibit a jew from entering a mosque since expecting Moshiach is a fundamental jewish belief?

Editor's Comment

I agree whole-heartedly with Sharon. God is all-forgiving and all-loving and encourages us to follow in these footsteps. If someone is steadfast in his or her faith, how can it hurt to simply observe another's? I am Christian and very in love with my faith. I don't understand how entering a synangogue or mosque would be sinful, as long as i kept and honored my beliefs. One of my favorite quotes says "a sign of an educated mind is the ability to entertain a thought wihtout accepting it." I am simply following God's commandment to love one another by respecting other faiths. By entering another's house of worship i am not necessarily accepting their beliefs but respecting them. I would not be compromising my own beliefs. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and hosting this discussion board. God bless.