Is there a special blessing recited when entering a synagogue aside from prayer services? For instance, when I visit the synagogue in Rhodes, Greece as a Jewish tourist and not a worshipper, can I recite a particular blessing?
Yes. There is a special blessing that is recited when entering a synagogue regardless of whether one is praying there or not. It is actually a verse in the Torah, “Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov, mishkenotecha Yisrael”. This means “How good are your tents, Jacob, and your dwelling places, Israel.” (Num. 24:5) The prayer continues with verses from other sources and is found at the beginning of every prayer book.
I’ve heard that the connection of this verse to entering the synagogue is as follows. The first part of the verse – ohalecha – refers to the good and modest way in which the Jews lived in their tents. The second part of the verse – mishkenotecha – is actually the reason for reciting this blessing upon entering a synagogue since this word also refers to the Mishkan which was the Sanctuary that preceded the Temple in Jerusalem. Our synagogues today are considered “mini-Sanctuaries” and therefore the blessing of “How good are your Sanctuaries!” is quite appropriate.
