Would it be a correct action for our shul to rent out some of its roof space for the installation of a high communication antenna. Two benefits are involved. a) Increasing the height of the shul above all houses in the close area. b) A much needed income for our shul. Is that permitted?
Rema (O.H 150: 3) rules that if only one corner of the shul is higher that the other houses it suffices. Mishna Berura (150: 8) adds that when just a metal pole is added to one of the roof corners of the shul, it does not count as a part of the shul. Similarly, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as far as the antenna being considered as creating a higher building and structure for the shul, it likely is not, since it is not a functional or needed addition for the shul itself. However, as an income benefit it should be considered propitious. However, other details regarding the Kedusha of the roof of the shul should be addressed.
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