Q. I go to learn daily in a Beis HaMidrash in the Old City of Jerusalem that is situated in the Chatzar Galicia compound above the Moslem Quarter. In order to get there in a safe manner, I must walk on a walkway where facing me are a few imposing churches with large crosses atop their roofs. Also, when I leave the compound, I must walk up a concrete bridge while facing these churches again.
The thing that bothers me very much is that since I usually walk with my posture slightly bent forward and especially when walking up an incline (when leaving), one tends to bend forward more, it may appear as if I am bowing slightly towards the churches.
Question 1: Is this posture problematic and I should take care to stand erect when facing these buildings?
Question 2: Would it be sufficient if I would spit in their direction to indicate my lack of reverence?
Question 3: There is an alternative way to get to the Beis MaMidrash. It is a route taken by many who study there, but it entails walking through the Moslem Quarter itself and I am not sure if avoiding the churches is enough of a merit to deserve protection, even though I am en route to learn Torah with diligence. Is that considered a Darka Acharina and I should endeavour to use that route?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that spitting in public should be avoided as it can create sinaas chinom, undue hate and possible retaliation.
Endangering oneself by walking through the inherent perils of the Moslem Quarter is also not recommended, even when done for a mitzva.
The Rov advises to stay away at least four amos or more from the building when possible, while walking rapidly but in a normal fashion. Also one should avoid facing or looking at the structure when walking by it.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
