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Drawing or Sculpting Forbidden Images: Difference between revisions
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Drawing or Sculpting Forbidden Images (view source)
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== | ==Constructing and Keeping Idols== | ||
# It is | # In addition to the prohibition of worshipping an idol, the Torah prohibits one from even constructing an idol<ref>Shemot 20:4</ref> even if one will not worship it himself<ref>Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot (Lo Taaseh 2), Mishneh Torah Hilchot Avodah Zarah 3:9. Note the different versions of translations in the former.</ref> as a means of distancing us from performing idolatry.<ref>Chinuch 27</ref> Whether one receives Malkot for doing so is subject to debate.<ref>The Rambam ibid writes that one does get Malkot, but the Raavad argues it’s a lav shebechlalot.</ref> | ||
# | # It is similarly prohibited to construct an idol for someone else, whether it be a Jew or non-Jew who’s instructing it be made.<ref>Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot (Lo Taaseh 3), Mishneh Torah Hilchot Avodah Zarah 3:10</ref> | ||
# | # One may not even instruct another person to construct an idol for, and, suprisingly, it even entails a punishment of Malkot.<ref>Rambam Sefer HaMitzvot (Lo Taaseh 2), Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 3:9). The Chinuch 27 is stunned that the Rambam considers asking someone else to construct an idol to be subject to Malkot, as it’s seemingly a Lav She’ein Bo Maaseh and Ein Shaliach leDvar Averah. The Lechem Mishneh (ad loc.) writes that since a Maaseh is being done on his behalf, this is considered like Shelichut, but the Minchat Chinuch (ad loc.) rejects that interpretation in favor of deeming this a Gezerat HaKatuv, not actual Shelichut. Both Rav Moshe Feinstein (Iggerot Moshe Yoreh Deah 2:55) and Rav Shlomo Wahrman (She’erit Yosef vol. 3 pg. 385) dismiss the above answers in favor of a closer read of the Rambam. To them, the Rambam is saying that there are two issurim, constructing an idol, and keeping and idol. The act of placing the idol in one’s domain is the Maaseh required to violate the Averah and be liable for Malkot.</ref> | ||
# Therefore, one who constructs an idol for himself receives twice Malkot.<ref>Rambam ibid, Chinuch 214</Ref> | |||
# All of these Issurim apply to all human beings, Jews and Non-Jews, regardless of gender.<ref>Chinuch 27, Minchat Chinuch 27:7 and 39:12</ref> | |||
# If one finds an object that might be an idol (a “Tzelem,” which might be a “Pesel” / Avodah Zarah), depending on what is commonly worshipped in his time period and area.<ref>Avodah Zarah 40b, Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Deah 141:1), Shach (Yoreh Deah 141:4)</ref> | |||
==Symbols of Other Religions== | |||
# It is permitted to use and look at a stamp with a cross on it.<Ref>Igrot Moshe YD 1:69 writes that it isn't considered a violation of Al Tifnu El Haelilim to use a stamp with a cross on it. His reasons are: 1) Since the images are just used for decorations and not actually for religious purposes it is permitted to look at them (Tosfot Shabbat 149). 2) Since it is used all the time a person is used to that symbol (Tosfot Avoda Zara 50). 3) It isn't an deity it is just a symbol to remind them of their deity. 4) Since the stamps are disgraced by being marked up and also being thrown out that isn't considered something a person would worship.</ref> | |||
# According to many poskim if a person is given a medallion with a cross on it as an honor it is permitted to wear it when visiting a government or Church official.<ref>Rav Ovadia in Yechava Daat 3:65 permits wearing a medallion with a cross on it that was given to a person as an honor. He begins with the Rama YD 141:1 who writes that crosses are permitted in benefit since they're not avoda zara themselves. Although the Shach limits this to a case where you knew it wasn't worshiped but in general you have to assume that they were worshiped Rav Ovadia says that the Shach's concern doesn't apply to medallions. He also cites the Zera Emet 2:45 and Rav Chaim Palagi in Lev Chaim 3:100 who say that a jewelry with a cross isn't usually worshiped and can be worn if necessary.</ref> | |||
# It is permitted to have and use a chess set even though the king piece has a cross on it.<ref>Rav Asher Bush in Shoel Bshlomo 1:60:2. His proofs are: | |||
# Tosfot A"z 50 and Shabbat 149 by using coins with religious symbols on them say that they are muter since they are for decorative purposes and they are used all the time. Igrot Moshe YD 1:69 cites these Tosfots. | |||
# He also cites Rav Ovadia in Yechava Daat 3:65 who permits wearing a medallion with a cross on it for the same reasons. He has many proofs but for one the Rama YD 141:1 who says crosses are muter bhanah if they weren't worshiped since they're not a"z themselves. Although the Shach 141:6 says you have to assume that they were worshiped but Rav Ovadia quotes the Zera Emet 2:45 who says that doesn't apply to medallions. | |||
# He lastly cites Ritva A"Z 42b that crosses on cups are for decorative purposes and are permitted.</ref> | |||
=Non Idolatrous Images= | |||
==Sun, Moon, and Stars== | ==Sun, Moon, and Stars== | ||
# It is forbidden to draw a sun, moon, or stars whether the image is two dimensional or a three dimensional protruding image.<ref> The opinion of Tosfot Avoda Zara 43b s.v. veha citing Rabbenu Tam, Ri, and Riva is that the sun, moon, and stars may not be drawn even if they’re not protruding. Rosh A"z 3:5 and Rambam Avoda Zara 3:11 agree. The Shulchan Aruch YD 141:4 follows the opinion of the Rambam and Rosh. Chachmat Adam 85:5, Igrot Moshe OC 5:9:6, Halichot Olam (vol 7 pg 287), and [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=10/5/2010 Rabbi Mansour on Dailyhalacha.com] concur with Shulchan Aruch. Taz 141:13 suggests that a two dimensional drawing of the sun is permitted. | # It is forbidden to draw a sun, moon, or stars whether the image is two dimensional or a three dimensional protruding image.<ref> The opinion of Tosfot Avoda Zara 43b s.v. veha citing Rabbenu Tam, Ri, and Riva is that the sun, moon, and stars may not be drawn even if they’re not protruding. Rosh A"z 3:5 and Rambam Avoda Zara 3:11 agree. The Shulchan Aruch YD 141:4 follows the opinion of the Rambam and Rosh. Chachmat Adam 85:5, Igrot Moshe OC 5:9:6, Halichot Olam (vol 7 pg 287), and [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=10/5/2010 Rabbi Mansour on Dailyhalacha.com] concur with Shulchan Aruch. Taz 141:13 suggests that a two dimensional drawing of the sun is permitted. | ||
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# Therefore, one shouldn’t teach children to draw the sun, moon, or stars in their complete form.<ref>Igrot Moshe OC 5:9:6 writes that once a child reached the age of chinuch they should be taught not to draw a picture of a sun, moon, or star. If their drawing is so inaccurate that most adults couldn’t tell what it was then it is permitted but still an adult shouldn’t teach children to draw that because they will grow up thinking that it is permitted and do so when their drawing skills improve. [https://www.star-k.org/prev_questions Star-K] writes that perhaps making a cake in the shape of a sun (circle with cookie sticks as rays) is permitted since it isn't an accurate representation.</ref> | # Therefore, one shouldn’t teach children to draw the sun, moon, or stars in their complete form.<ref>Igrot Moshe OC 5:9:6 writes that once a child reached the age of chinuch they should be taught not to draw a picture of a sun, moon, or star. If their drawing is so inaccurate that most adults couldn’t tell what it was then it is permitted but still an adult shouldn’t teach children to draw that because they will grow up thinking that it is permitted and do so when their drawing skills improve. [https://www.star-k.org/prev_questions Star-K] writes that perhaps making a cake in the shape of a sun (circle with cookie sticks as rays) is permitted since it isn't an accurate representation.</ref> | ||
# Some say that it is forbidden to create a temporary image of a sun, moon, or stars.<ref>Minchat Yitzchak 10:72 writes that it is forbidden to temporarily create the image of a sun or moon since it is considered an asiya (creation). See however Darkei Teshuva 141:27.</ref> | # Some say that it is forbidden to create a temporary image of a sun, moon, or stars.<ref>Minchat Yitzchak 10:72 writes that it is forbidden to temporarily create the image of a sun or moon since it is considered an asiya (creation). See however Darkei Teshuva 141:27.</ref> | ||
==Human Images== | ==Human Images== | ||
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==Animals and Plants== | ==Animals and Plants== | ||
# It is permitted to create an image of animals, plants, or earth.<ref>Abaye on Avoda Zara 43b, Tosfot Yoma 53b, Rambam Avoda Zara 3:11, Shulchan Aruch YD 141:6</ref> | # It is permitted to create an image of animals, plants, or earth.<ref>Abaye on Avoda Zara 43b, Tosfot Yoma 53b, Rambam Avoda Zara 3:11, Shulchan Aruch YD 141:6</ref> | ||
==Replications of the Vessels of the Temple== | |||
# It is Biblically forbidden to make an exact replication of the vessels that were in the Bet Hamikdash.<ref>Gemara Avoda Zara 43b, Shulchan Aruch YD 141:8</ref> | |||
# It’s forbidden to make a menorah of seven branches even of other metals besides gold, even if it’s not 18 [[Tefachim]] tall, and even without the appropriate designs such as the cups, flowers, and bolts of the menorah. <Ref> S”A Y”D 141:8 </ref> However, it’s permissible to make it out of wood or non-metals. <Ref> Shach 141:35 </ref> | |||
# If a shul has an electric menorah made with seven braches, the menorah should be kept as is, but menorah’s like that should not be made lechatchila. <Ref> [[Rabbi Ovadyah Yosef]] in Sh”t Yabia Omer Y”D 1:12, Sh”t Yechave Daat 3:61 (pg 194), [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipDate=10/5/2010 Rabbi Mansour on Dailyhalacha.com]. See Igrot Moshe YD 3:33.</ref> | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[Category: Avoda Zara]] | [[Category: Avoda Zara]] | ||
