Hi Im sorry to obsess over this, but I am really confused and flabbergasted that this is a controversial issue
Are you all really saying that if I get to shul (on time) and someone is in the seat I have davened in for x number of years, paid for etc. IT is wrong for me to tell my new friend:
“shalom aleichem welcome to our neighborhood, I hope you have a meal for shabbos If not please let me help you. Oh and if you dont mind I usualy sit here please allow me to find you a seat that is available. would you like to be closer to the Air conditioner or further? and here is a Chumash for laining.”
that is really wrong?
Several posters (Meno (“it’s still a problem”), motchah11, realisitcguy (“absolutly assur” !!??) perhaps TLIK, Gadolhadorah) seem to indicate that this is wrong.
Have I misunderstood?