Avoda Zara - Revision history

YitzchakSultan1: /* Entering a Church */

2025-05-15T14:13:27Z

Entering a Church

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:13, 15 May 2025
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	==Entering a Church==		==Entering a Church==
			# It is forbidden to enter a church,<ref>Igrot Moshe YD 3:129:6 writes that it is forbidden to enter a church based on Avoda Zara 17a. He explains that it is forbidden to go into a church to look at the artwork because it is considered a decoration of avoda zara (''noy avoda zara; נוי עבודה זרה''), which is forbidden from benefit. Also, based on our outlook and emunah it is terrible thing for a Jew to enter a church. He ends by quoting his son, Rav Dovid Feinstein, that they made the religious artwork in order to try to attract others and so going into the church to see it is obviously forbidden. Yabia Omer YD 2:11 and 7:12 agrees. </ref> unless it is in ruins.<ref>The Travelers's Halachic Handbook (R' Dovid Weinberger, p. 21)</ref>
			# It is also forbidden to enter a courtyard or lobby of a church, even though it isn't the sanctuary, the room used for ''avoda zara'' itself. The reason for this is because of a suspicion that a Jew is entering because he wants to do ''avoda zara''.<ref>Birkei Yosef 149:2 writes that it is forbidden to enter a courtyard of avoda zara. Igrot Moshe YD 3:129:6 agrees and explains that the reason for it is because of chashad, suspicion that a Jew is going to do avoda zara.</ref> It is permitted to walk through a courtyard of a church if the path to get somewhere else travels that way, though it is a pious practice to avoid even that.<ref>Rama YD 149:2, Igrot Moshe YD 3:129:6</ref>
	# Some hold that despite entering a church nowadays being a serious prohibition, entering a mosque is permitted.<ref>Yabia Omer YD 2:11 and YD 7:12 holds that entering a church is forbidden but entering a mosque is permitted since Islam is monotheistic. Igrot Moshe YD 3:129:6 agrees that entering a church is forbidden even if one is just going to look at the artwork. Tzitz Eliezer 14:91 holds that entering a church or a mosque is forbidden. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/915001/rabbi-hershel-schachter/traveling-to-eretz-yisrael/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Traveling to Israel" min 43)] agreed with the Tzitz Eliezer that one may not enter a mosque.</ref>		# Some hold that despite entering a church nowadays being a serious prohibition, entering a mosque is permitted.<ref>Yabia Omer YD 2:11 and YD 7:12 holds that entering a church is forbidden but entering a mosque is permitted since Islam is monotheistic. Igrot Moshe YD 3:129:6 agrees that entering a church is forbidden even if one is just going to look at the artwork. Tzitz Eliezer 14:91 holds that entering a church or a mosque is forbidden. [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/915001/rabbi-hershel-schachter/traveling-to-eretz-yisrael/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Traveling to Israel" min 43)] agreed with the Tzitz Eliezer that one may not enter a mosque.</ref>
	# One may enter Maarat Hamachpelah since it was originally a Jewish structure and the Arabs can't halachically convert it into a mosque.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/915001/rabbi-hershel-schachter/traveling-to-eretz-yisrael/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Traveling to Israel" min 43)]</ref>		# One may enter Maarat Hamachpelah since it was originally a Jewish structure and the Arabs can't halachically convert it into a mosque.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/915001/rabbi-hershel-schachter/traveling-to-eretz-yisrael/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Traveling to Israel" min 43)]</ref>

YitzchakSultan1: /* Entering a Church */

2025-05-11T14:06:15Z

Entering a Church

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:06, 11 May 2025
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	# It is permitted to enter a church to save one's life.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 157:3 following the Rosh as opposed to the Rashba.</ref>		# It is permitted to enter a church to save one's life.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 157:3 following the Rosh as opposed to the Rashba.</ref>
	# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>Shevet Hakehati 6:83 forbids davening in an interfaith chapel in an airport. His proof is from Biur Halacha 154:11 s.v. nerot that once the place is used for avoda zara it may not be used for davening to Hashem. Also, http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>		# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>Shevet Hakehati 6:83 forbids davening in an interfaith chapel in an airport. His proof is from Biur Halacha 154:11 s.v. nerot that once the place is used for avoda zara it may not be used for davening to Hashem. Also, http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>
	# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>		# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>
			# Some poskim permitted entering a church that it is completely inactive.<ref>Aseh Lecha Rav 4:53. See also Darkei Teshuva YD 150:1 who seems to permit once the avoda zara items are removed.</ref>

	==Benefitting from Avoda Zara==		==Benefitting from Avoda Zara==

ChachamY: /* Entering a Church */

2024-02-01T17:19:20Z

Entering a Church

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:19, 1 February 2024
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	# If a person who does maintenance on air conditioning units and is asked to fix one in a church and if he doesn't do so would lose a significant amount of money should not enter a church. He can hire a non-Jew to hire another non-Jew to enter in order to fix it.<ref>[http://halachayomit.co.il/he/default.aspx?HalachaID=681 halachayomit.co.il]. Rav Ovadia's footnotes printed in the new edition of Yabia Omer YD 2:11 makes this same point as well.</ref>		# If a person who does maintenance on air conditioning units and is asked to fix one in a church and if he doesn't do so would lose a significant amount of money should not enter a church. He can hire a non-Jew to hire another non-Jew to enter in order to fix it.<ref>[http://halachayomit.co.il/he/default.aspx?HalachaID=681 halachayomit.co.il]. Rav Ovadia's footnotes printed in the new edition of Yabia Omer YD 2:11 makes this same point as well.</ref>
	# It is permitted to enter a church to save one's life.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 157:3 following the Rosh as opposed to the Rashba.</ref>		# It is permitted to enter a church to save one's life.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 157:3 following the Rosh as opposed to the Rashba.</ref>
	# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>		# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>Shevet Hakehati 6:83 forbids davening in an interfaith chapel in an airport. His proof is from Biur Halacha 154:11 s.v. nerot that once the place is used for avoda zara it may not be used for davening to Hashem. Also, http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>
	# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>		# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>

Unknown user: /* Owning Symbols of Other Religions */

2022-09-21T04:03:49Z

Owning Symbols of Other Religions

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	See further [[Violating_Torah_to_Save_Your_Life#The_Big_Three]].		See further [[Violating_Torah_to_Save_Your_Life#The_Big_Three]].

			==Using a Name of Avoda Zara==
			#It is forbidden to use the name of an Avoda Zara whether there is or isn't a specific need.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 147:1. See Chavot Yair 1 hasaga 11-12</ref>
			# It is permitted to use the name of a Saint or another person who was defied since it was originally a mundane name that was then used for Avoda Zara. However, it is only permitted to do so not the same way non-Jews call that individual, which ascribes that individual honor. For example, it is permitted to say Nicholas but not Saint Nicholas.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 147:2 quoting Rabbenu Yerucham</ref> Practically, some poskim permit saying a place that begins San, Sao, or Saint since it refers to a place and not the Avoda Zara itself.<Ref>Rav Yakov Yisrael Fisher in Umka Dparsha 5770 p. 172 and Banei Banim 3:35:4</ref>
	==Owning Symbols of Other Religions==		==Owning Symbols of Other Religions==
	See [[Drawing_or_Sculpting_Forbidden_Images]]		See [[Drawing_or_Sculpting_Forbidden_Images]]

Unknown user at 22:15, 4 January 2021

2021-01-04T22:15:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:15, 4 January 2021
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	# It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara. If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>		# It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara. If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>
	#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>		#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>
	# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the [https://www.sefaria.org/Chofetz_Chaim%2C_Part_One%2C_The_Prohibition_Against_Lashon_Hara%2C_Principle_6.5.3?lang=bi&with=Be%27er%20Mayim%20Chaim&lang2=en Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14)] who permits leaving one's eyes open.</ref>		# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the [https://www.sefaria.org/Chofetz_Chaim%2C_Part_One%2C_The_Prohibition_Against_Lashon_Hara%2C_Principle_6.5.3?lang=bi&with=Be%27er%20Mayim%20Chaim&lang2=en Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14)] who permits leaving one's eyes open. Moadim Uzmanim 7:204 questions the Chafetz Chaim but has another approach to be lenient for other prohibitions besides avoda zara. See Shalmei Chayim Pesachim ch. 9 who explains this Chafetz Chaim. See Ritva Yoma 39a s.v. vim and Tosfot Yeshanim Yoma 39a s.v. hanashim who quote a dispute that seems to be relevant to this question.</ref>

	==To Save Your Life==		==To Save Your Life==

Unknown user: /* Benefitting from Avoda Zara */

2021-01-04T22:03:21Z

Benefitting from Avoda Zara

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	# It is forbidden to look at a beautiful Avoda Zara or even artwork or decorations of Avoda Zara.<ref>Rabbenu Yerucham 17:5, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> Religious artwork which is not meant to decorate an avoda zara and is not served is not forbidden from benefit and can be looked at.<Ref>Shach 142:33</ref>		# It is forbidden to look at a beautiful Avoda Zara or even artwork or decorations of Avoda Zara.<ref>Rabbenu Yerucham 17:5, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> Religious artwork which is not meant to decorate an avoda zara and is not served is not forbidden from benefit and can be looked at.<Ref>Shach 142:33</ref>
	# It is forbidden to listen to musical instruments that are used to play for religious Avoda Zara services<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> or even people singing songs in honors of avoda zara.<ref>Bet Hillel 142:2 based on Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref>		# It is forbidden to listen to musical instruments that are used to play for religious Avoda Zara services<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> or even people singing songs in honors of avoda zara.<ref>Bet Hillel 142:2 based on Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref>
	# It is permitted to walk in a place that one might see artwork for the avoda zara or hear songs for the avoda zara as long as one doesn't intend to benefit.<ref>Pesachim 25b, Rama Y.D. 142:15. Shach 142:34 adds that if it is a pesik reisha and inevitable that he will benefit from the sights or songs it is forbidden to go. Since it is possible to close one's eyes and ears it is not a pesik reisha.</ref>		# It is permitted to walk in a place that one might see artwork for the avoda zara or hear songs for the avoda zara as long as one doesn't intend to benefit.<ref>Pesachim 25b, Rama Y.D. 142:15. Shach 142:34 adds that if it is a pesik reisha and inevitable that he will benefit from the sights or songs it is forbidden to go. Since it is possible to close one's eyes and ears it is not a pesik reisha. This is the opinion of Tosfot and Rosh, however, Ran Chullin 32a s.v. abaye that there is no concept of pesik reisha when discussing benefitting from something forbidden. If one intends to benefit it is forbidden, and if not it is permitted.</ref>
	#It is forbidden to play music in front of avoda zara even if one is hired and paid for it.<ref>Darkei Teshuva 142:29 citing Chaim Byad 28</ref>		#It is forbidden to play music in front of avoda zara even if one is hired and paid for it.<ref>Darkei Teshuva 142:29 citing Chaim Byad 28</ref>
	# It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara. If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>		# It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara. If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>

Unknown user at 21:46, 4 January 2021

2021-01-04T21:46:11Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 4 January 2021
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	# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>		# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>
	# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>		# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>

			==Benefitting from Avoda Zara==
			# It is forbidden to look at a beautiful Avoda Zara or even artwork or decorations of Avoda Zara.<ref>Rabbenu Yerucham 17:5, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> Religious artwork which is not meant to decorate an avoda zara and is not served is not forbidden from benefit and can be looked at.<Ref>Shach 142:33</ref>
			# It is forbidden to listen to musical instruments that are used to play for religious Avoda Zara services<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> or even people singing songs in honors of avoda zara.<ref>Bet Hillel 142:2 based on Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref>
			# It is permitted to walk in a place that one might see artwork for the avoda zara or hear songs for the avoda zara as long as one doesn't intend to benefit.<ref>Pesachim 25b, Rama Y.D. 142:15. Shach 142:34 adds that if it is a pesik reisha and inevitable that he will benefit from the sights or songs it is forbidden to go. Since it is possible to close one's eyes and ears it is not a pesik reisha.</ref>
			#It is forbidden to play music in front of avoda zara even if one is hired and paid for it.<ref>Darkei Teshuva 142:29 citing Chaim Byad 28</ref>
			# It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara. If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>
	#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>		#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>
	# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the [https://www.sefaria.org/Chofetz_Chaim%2C_Part_One%2C_The_Prohibition_Against_Lashon_Hara%2C_Principle_6.5.3?lang=bi&with=Be%27er%20Mayim%20Chaim&lang2=en Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14)] who permits leaving one's eyes open.</ref>		# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the [https://www.sefaria.org/Chofetz_Chaim%2C_Part_One%2C_The_Prohibition_Against_Lashon_Hara%2C_Principle_6.5.3?lang=bi&with=Be%27er%20Mayim%20Chaim&lang2=en Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14)] who permits leaving one's eyes open.</ref>

	~~==Related Links==~~
	* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/822409/Rabbi_Ezra_Schwartz/Avodah_Zarah_in_the_Western_World Rabbi Ezra Schwartz on yutorah.org]

	==To Save Your Life==		==To Save Your Life==
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	==Owning Symbols of Other Religions==		==Owning Symbols of Other Religions==
	See [[Drawing_or_Sculpting_Forbidden_Images]]		See [[Drawing_or_Sculpting_Forbidden_Images]]
	==~~Benefitting from Avoda Zara~~==
	~~# It is forbidden to look at a beautiful Avoda Zara or even artwork or decorations of Avoda Zara.<ref>Rabbenu Yerucham 17:5, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142~~:~~15<~~/~~ref> Religious artwork which is not meant to decorate an avoda zara and is not served is not forbidden from benefit and can be looked at.<Ref>Shach 142:33<~~/~~ref>~~		==Related Links==
	~~# It is forbidden to listen to musical instruments that are used to play for religious Avoda Zara services<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y~~.D. ~~142:15<~~/~~ref> or even people singing songs in honors of avoda zara.<ref>Bet Hillel 142:2 based on Shulchan Aruch Y.D~~. ~~142:15<~~/~~ref>~~		* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/822409/Rabbi_Ezra_Schwartz/Avodah_Zarah_in_the_Western_World Rabbi Ezra Schwartz (Avoda Zara in the Western World) on yutorah.org]
	# It is permitted to walk in a place that one might see artwork for the avoda zara or hear songs for the avoda zara as long as one doesn't intend to benefit.<ref>Pesachim 25b, Rama Y.D. 142:15. Shach 142:34 adds that if it is a pesik reisha and inevitable that he will benefit from the sights or songs it is forbidden to go. Since it is possible to close one's eyes and ears it is not a pesik reisha.</~~ref>~~
	~~#It is forbidden to play music in front of avoda zara even if one is hired and paid for it.<ref>Darkei Teshuva 142:29 citing Chaim Byad 28<~~/~~ref>~~
	~~# It is forbidden to sit~~ in the ~~shade of avoda zara~~. ~~If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>~~

	==Sources==		==Sources==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Avoda Zara]]		[[Category:Avoda Zara]]

Unknown user: /* Owning Symbols of Other Religions */

2021-01-04T21:25:08Z

Owning Symbols of Other Religions

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:25, 4 January 2021
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	==Owning Symbols of Other Religions==		==Owning Symbols of Other Religions==
	See [[Drawing_or_Sculpting_Forbidden_Images]]		See [[Drawing_or_Sculpting_Forbidden_Images]]
			==Benefitting from Avoda Zara==
			# It is forbidden to look at a beautiful Avoda Zara or even artwork or decorations of Avoda Zara.<ref>Rabbenu Yerucham 17:5, Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> Religious artwork which is not meant to decorate an avoda zara and is not served is not forbidden from benefit and can be looked at.<Ref>Shach 142:33</ref>
			# It is forbidden to listen to musical instruments that are used to play for religious Avoda Zara services<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref> or even people singing songs in honors of avoda zara.<ref>Bet Hillel 142:2 based on Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15</ref>
			# It is permitted to walk in a place that one might see artwork for the avoda zara or hear songs for the avoda zara as long as one doesn't intend to benefit.<ref>Pesachim 25b, Rama Y.D. 142:15. Shach 142:34 adds that if it is a pesik reisha and inevitable that he will benefit from the sights or songs it is forbidden to go. Since it is possible to close one's eyes and ears it is not a pesik reisha.</ref>
			#It is forbidden to play music in front of avoda zara even if one is hired and paid for it.<ref>Darkei Teshuva 142:29 citing Chaim Byad 28</ref>
			# It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara. If one is walking without intending to benefit from the shade it is permissible to pass by in the shade.<ref>Ran Avoda Zara 21a cited by Bet Yosef, Rama Y.D. 142:9</ref>

	==Sources==		==Sources==
	<references/>		<references/>
	[[Category:Avoda Zara]]		[[Category:Avoda Zara]]

Unknown user: /* Entering a Church */

2021-01-04T20:32:17Z

Entering a Church

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:32, 4 January 2021
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	# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>		# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>
	#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>		#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>
	# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14) who permits leaving one's eyes open.</ref>		# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the [https://www.sefaria.org/Chofetz_Chaim%2C_Part_One%2C_The_Prohibition_Against_Lashon_Hara%2C_Principle_6.5.3?lang=bi&with=Be%27er%20Mayim%20Chaim&lang2=en Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14)] who permits leaving one's eyes open.</ref>

	==Related Links==		==Related Links==

Unknown user: /* Entering a Church */

2021-01-01T15:52:02Z

Entering a Church

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:52, 1 January 2021
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	# One may enter Maarat Hamachpelah since it was originally a Jewish structure and the Arabs can't halachically convert it into a mosque.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/915001/rabbi-hershel-schachter/traveling-to-eretz-yisrael/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Traveling to Israel" min 43)]</ref>		# One may enter Maarat Hamachpelah since it was originally a Jewish structure and the Arabs can't halachically convert it into a mosque.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/915001/rabbi-hershel-schachter/traveling-to-eretz-yisrael/ Rav Hershel Schachter ("Traveling to Israel" min 43)]</ref>
	# It is permitted to enter a church in order to save someone's life such as if one is a paramedic or a firefighter.<ref>[https://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/23372 Rav Mordechai Halpern on yeshiva.org.il] explained that it is a concern of ayvah not to save someone's life in a church building and that concern of pikuach nefesh allows one to enter.</ref>		# It is permitted to enter a church in order to save someone's life such as if one is a paramedic or a firefighter.<ref>[https://www.yeshiva.org.il/midrash/23372 Rav Mordechai Halpern on yeshiva.org.il] explained that it is a concern of ayvah not to save someone's life in a church building and that concern of pikuach nefesh allows one to enter.</ref>
	# If a person who does maintenance on air conditioning units and is asked to fix one in a church and if he doesn't do so would lose a significant amount of money should not enter a church. He can hire a non-Jew to hire another non-Jew to enter in order to fix it.<ref>http://halachayomit.co.il/he/default.aspx?HalachaID=681. Rav Ovadia's footnotes printed in the new edition of Yabia Omer YD 2:11 makes this same point as well.</ref>		# If a person who does maintenance on air conditioning units and is asked to fix one in a church and if he doesn't do so would lose a significant amount of money should not enter a church. He can hire a non-Jew to hire another non-Jew to enter in order to fix it.<ref>[http://halachayomit.co.il/he/default.aspx?HalachaID=681 halachayomit.co.il]. Rav Ovadia's footnotes printed in the new edition of Yabia Omer YD 2:11 makes this same point as well.</ref>
	# It is permitted to enter a church to save one's life.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 157:3 following the Rosh as opposed to the Rashba.</ref>		# It is permitted to enter a church to save one's life.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 157:3 following the Rosh as opposed to the Rashba.</ref>
	# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>		# Some say that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room.<ref>http://din.org.il/2017/08/22/%D7%91%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9B%D7%A0%D7%A1%D7%AA-%D7%94%D7%9E%D7%99%D7%95%D7%A2%D7%93-%D7%9C%D7%91%D7%A0%D7%99-%D7%9B%D7%9C-%D7%94%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%95%D7%AA/ argues that just like it is forbidden to enter a church it is forbidden to enter a non-denominational prayer room and the entire concept of having such a room is against the first two dibrot that religions are exclusive. Rav Moshe Feinstein in Mesoret Moshe v. 1 p. 46 is quoted by Rav Elimelech Bluth that it is permitted to pray in a non-denominational prayer room since it isn't designated for Christians specifically.</ref>
	# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>		# It is permitted to sit or walk in the shade of a church.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:10 writes that it is permitted to walk in the shade of a building of avoda zara but not inside or near the entrance. The Shach 142:22 explains that the building wasn't made for shade on the outside of the building so it is permitted. Shach adds that even sitting in the shade of a church is permitted.</ref>
			#It is forbidden to look at icons of avoda zara.<ref>Rivevot Efraim 3:497 based on Zohar 3:84 and Vayikra 19:4. He ponders whether it is permitted even to look at a picture of an icon of avoda zara found in a history book or encyclopedia.</ref>
			# It is forbidden to look at and benefit from anything artistic or decorative that is meant to beatify avoda zara. If a person is passing by such art or decorations and one does not intend to look to benefit from it he may pass that way.<ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 142:15, Shach 142:34</ref> Some say that he needs to actually close his eyes while walking there.<ref>Chachmat Adam 84:16 understands the Rosh Pesachim 2:2 to mean that indeed the person needs to actually close his eyes from seeing the decorations of avoda zara since otherwise it is a pesik reisha that he'll benefit from it. Halichot Shlomo (Nissan 14:12 p. 80) favors this approach rather than that of the Chafetz Chaim (Lashon Hara 6:14) who permits leaving one's eyes open.</ref>

	==Related Links==		==Related Links==