Buying a House from a Goy

One who bought a house from a goy is not obligated to make a zecher l’churban in his house since the goy was not obligated to make one. However, one who renovates to the bare walls and re-builds from scratch would be obligated to leave a zecher l’churban. Since many people who buy houses from goyim do not renovate to the bare walls, many people do not have to make a zecher l’churban.

Bought from a Yid

One who bought a house from a yid who did not make a zecher l’churban, is required to make one when he moves in if he knows that the original yid did not buy the house from a goy. There is a discussion in the poskim as to who makes the zecher l’churban if a yid rents from another yid.  

Investment Property

One is not required to make an amah by amah in a house which is purchased for investment purposes. 

Shul / Bais Medrash

The custom is that a zecher l’churban does not have to be made in a shul or a bais medrash.

Compiled by Rabbi Moishe Dovid Lebovits who can be reached at[email protected]

Reviewed by Rabbi Ben-zion Schiffenbauer Shlita

All Piskei Harav Yisrael Belsky Shlita are Reviewed by Harav Yisrael Belsky Shlita