Q. It is a minhag to decorate for Shavuoth our Shuln with greenery. We avoid using trees, as that would be a tradition of other religions. Does that include artificial trees?
A. There are two reasons for not placing trees in a Shul. One deals with the Biblical injunction against planting trees next to the altar in the Bais Hamikdosh.(see R. A. Eiger notes on O.C.150). The other is indeed the Hagro's opinion,(mentioned in Chayei Adam 131,13 and Mishna Berurah 494,10), that it is included in the ban of following Chukos Hagoim, or a tradition of other religions. Not all Poiskim agree (Maharsham see Ariel p. 38, that this Minhag does not apply to trees that are always found there), however Igrois Moishe (Y.D. 4,11), quotes Aruch Hashulchan ( O.C. ibid. 6), that this minhag has become today the accepted tradition. Beer Eliahu (O.C.3 p.263) mentions that this may not apply to artificial trees.
Horav shlomo Miller's Shlit"a opinion is that it does apply to artificial trees since other creeds also use them in their holidays. However, if erroneously set in a Shul, it is still permissible to daven there.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld, as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
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