Question:
We read in the Megillah that Mordechai did not bow down, and Chazal explain that there was an idol hanging down Haman. Nevertheless, I wonder halachically how this makes sense, considering the Rema quotes the Terumas Hadeshen that it is permissible to make the bowing “unrecognisable”, ie. bowing down earlier or collecting dropped coins etc. Mordechai put not only himself but – being a distinguished leader – the entire Klal in danger. We have now the wisdom of hindsight – but how was he allowed to endanger his brethren?
Answer:
Hello,
Had mordechai, who was the gadol hador bowed down to an avoda zara, even with whatever tricks to technically disqualify it rom being actual avoda zara, nevertheless this is the way it would have appeared. If Mordechai would have done that it would have been a major chillul Hashem. Mordechai’s daas Torah told him that, being that it would be a chillul Hashem, and appear that it is permitted to bow to an avoda zara, he had t do what he did, even though, it would make Haman mad at him.
Best wishes
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