[Avodah] Tzitz Eliezer: Davening With A Gun

[Prof. Levine]

 From http://revach.net/article.php?id=1756

Tzitz Eliezer: Davening With A Gun

Is it permitted to enter a Shul with a rifle or other weapon? The 
Shulchan Aruch states (OC 151:6) that according to some opinions it 
is forbidden to enter a Bais HaKnesses carrying a long knife. The 
Mishnah Brurah explains that a Bais HaKnesses is a place for Tefilah 
which lengthens a person life therefore it is not proper to bring in 
a knife which shortens a person's life. the Tzitz Eliezer rules 
(10:18) that not only is it forbidden to enter a Bais HaKnesses with 
a knife but even if one is Davening at home he may not have a knife 
on him while he is Davening since Tefilah lengthens one's life even 
if one does not Daven with a Minyan.

The Tzitz Eliezer also rules that this Din applies not only to a 
knife but also to a gun or any other type of weapon. Even though the 
Taz says that the Din only applies to a long knife and the Eliyahu 
Rabah says that only an uncovered knife is forbidden, however some 
Poskim prohibit Davening with a knife even if it is a short knife and 
even if it is covered. Therefore the Tzitz Eliezer concludes that 
l'Chatchilah if possible one should not bring gun into a Shul nor 
shall one have a gun on him if he is Davening at home. If it is not 
possible for him to remove the gun he should at least remove the 
bullets or cover the gun. (Of course this doesn't apply at times of 
danger when it is necessary to have a gun on you.)

However with regards to a soldier or policeman who carries a gun on 
him at all time there is a Sevarah to say that the gun is regarded as 
an article of clothing and therefore there would be greater room for leniency.

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