Question: My question is in relation to that which was discussed in avodah zarah 51. It mentions an argument relating to breaking sticks and slaughtering grasshoppers before idols. My question… Read more »
Category: Idolatry
Permissibilty of incense
Question: There are very popular types of incense originally used in buddhist and hindu ceremonies. They are now manufactured en masse. Is it permissible to use this incense? Answer: Please… Read more »
Dressing up as a mermaid
Question: Dear Rabbi, is one permitted to dress up as a mermaid (like Ariel from Disney movie or just a mermaid)? I did not know if they are mythological creatures… Read more »
Assembly of jigsaw puzzle with photo of church
Question: I purchased a puzzle with many photos of places around the world. Among those photos are at least one of a church, as well as others that may be… Read more »
Is this avoda zarah?
Question: I have a handmade wooden sculpture from when I was a young boy. I’ve attached a picture herein. Is the symbol on it avodah zarah? Do I need to… Read more »
Saying that one worships something
Question: BS”D And forbidden to say that worship something, like food, a car, an object because you like it very much? Or can we just say we love (worship) Hashem?… Read more »
Opening a church door
Question: Shalom, I have a question. If walk next to a church and an old man asks me to open the door for him so that he can enter and… Read more »
medical check ups
Question: BH Thank you for your help. My question deals with going to a health care office that may have non kosher statues in them. I am a bal teshuva… Read more »
Purchasing a home planetarium
Question: What would the Halacha be with purchasing a home planetarium which is basically a slide that goes into a projector that projects the image onto the wall and ceilings…. Read more »
Avoda zarah
Question: Hello, this is another question regarding avoda zarah listed within a separate email. The question arises in regard to the rule that one may not derive benefit from that… Read more »
Redeeming, avoda h zarah
Question: Hi, I figured I’d ask another question separately but in of a similar sort. Within the avodah zarah. It mentions that one can not benefit from something made using… Read more »
Annuling of idols within the avodah zarah
Question: I read that unlike idols owned by non-Jews which can be annulled, ones owned by Jews cannot be annulled as such. Why is this? I have read a good… Read more »
New Years international change how to be comprehended?
Question: The Jewish people are known to only celebrate the Jewish new year. In addition, we also have an international new year for all states – 2020. Regardless, if the… Read more »
Keeping “lucky cat” decorative item in house
Question: Dear Rabbis, My wife recently picked up a “lucky cat” decoration while shopping in a Chinwtown in the USA. It’s essentially a waving cat that some Asian cultures believe… Read more »
issue of crosses
Question: Is it assur for a diamond jewelry company to sell diamond crosses to goyim Answer: Please see the following post where a similar question was discussed. https://dinonline.org/2018/12/16/selling-christian-jewelry/ Have a gmar… Read more »
kosher work
Question: Hello, Thanks so much for taking the time to help. My question is: Is it ok to work in a stationary store that may sell non-jewish religious items during… Read more »
bowing: follow up question
Question: Hello, Thanks for your help. My question is regarding the concept of bowing down/ crouching down to greet/pet an animal. There is clearly no religious intent whatsoever, it is… Read more »
Avoda Zara picture at work
Question: A Jewish workplace has a picture of their product with an idol from asia in the background, is this forbidden? Should I do something about it? Answer: Although it… Read more »
Confused if this is permissible in Jewish law
Question: Is an Easter egg necklace pendant allowed to be worn if it does not have any religious symbols on it? It is a faberge egg. But it was originally… Read more »
Is street photography allowed?
Question: Dear rabbi, I enjoy the art of photography in my free time and document the world around me through the lense of my camera. I do not take untznius… Read more »
Can you rent an apartment in Chutz Laretz to someone who will bring in idols.
Question: Can you rent an apartment in Chutz Laretz to someone who will bring in idols. Answer: It is permitted to rent him an apartment, even if he will bring… Read more »
Can I look at Budhas if I am going on vacation to Thailand
Question: I am going to Thailand and the tour includes several Budhas and temples. Can i look at them? Answer: You would be well advised to avoid all such places…. Read more »
To buy house from a church
Question: Is it permitted to buy a house that belongs to a church the house wasn’t used for the purpose of a church Answer: In general, we should not be… Read more »
Staying in a hotel with crucifixes?
Question: Is there any halachic problem with staying the night in a hotel containing symbols of avoda zara — such as a crucifix. On an upcoming business trip, I have… Read more »
Is one allowed to sleep in a room with Christian icons which are being worshipped?
Question: Is one permitted to sleep in a room/house where there are idolatrous images on the walls, such as JC, virgin Mary, etc. (which are being worshipped – the inhabitants… Read more »
Answering a Jewishly-incorrect answer on standardized testing
Question: I was studying for an exam and a practice problem asked about the similarities between the Torah and the Code of Hammurabi, and asked what is the most likely… Read more »
Place with avodah zara Images
Question: Hi, purim sameach To releive the stress and tension I do some massage sessions . The only place near home, with same gender terapist has some Buddah statues all… Read more »
Children Toys
Question: My daughter received a stuffed elephant from her aunt that just came back from Thailand. Should I get rid of it? It’s decorated in vibrant colors and Pom pom…. Read more »
Jewish law
Question: Is it avodah zarah to own an easter egg jewelry if it is for decoration not religious? For those celebrating Jewish faith. Answer: Please see the following post. https://dinonline.org/2019/03/15/easter-egg-as-decoration/ Thank… Read more »
Easter Egg as decoration
Question: Can Jews or Noahides have Easter eggs but not for religious purposes? Just to decorate. Answer: If it is just for decorating purposes, although it may be distasteful to… Read more »
Purim costume with celestial images
Question: My daughter purchased a costume for Purim. When she showed it to me I saw that it had images of the sun, moon and stars. The images do not… Read more »
Can I use a gift card from a non-Jew that has holiday theme printed on it?
Question: I received some gift cards from some non-Jews near the non-Jewish holiday season, and I asked everyone to give me birthday presents instead. some of the gift cards i… Read more »
Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Church
Question: Hi, my question revolves around attending AA meetings in the basement of a church. I am a modern orthodox man father of 2 who has been attending meetings when… Read more »
Is this doll ok in Judiasm?
Question: It is shaped like a bowling pin and opens to make smaller dolls. =^..^= Cute Attached: Attached file 1 Answer: It looks alright to me. It is not being… Read more »
Statues in the workplace
Question: Is there any problem in having my employees have small statues of the virgin marry and the like on their desk? Answer: Although it isn’t very tasteful to have… Read more »
Prayer in multi-faith room
Question: I am traveling to USA and will be landing in Newark early morning and waiting for connecting flight a few hours later. It has always been difficult to find… Read more »
owning a round 7 branch candelabra?
Question: Is one allowed to own a Round 7 branch candelabra? Answer: According to most poskim the same way that we are not allowed to make a menorah of 7… Read more »
Visiting the Vatican
Question: I am travelling to Rome in a couple of weeks. Am I allowed to go into the Vatican and if yes where can I go and where can’t I… Read more »
Owning objects with idolatrous symbols
Question: Kavod Harabanim, I have an unusual hobby – I am fond of collecting and flying the flags of sovereign countries! I am also an observant Jew that tries to… Read more »
Avodah zarah question
Question: Dear Rabbi, Can one wear a necklace with a cat on it. A silver charm but flat metal. Like a rectangular shape. Answer: I don’t see an issue with… Read more »
Avoda Zara in video game
Question: I am playing a video game where you have to take down a cult. During one part of the game , you get drugged but them and hallucinate things…. Read more »
Wishing Merry Christmas
Question: Hi, Is there, according to halacha, a problem with wishing someone a Merry Christmas? Does it matter if they say it first or if I initiate? Thank you very… Read more »
Can Jews attend work holiday party?
Question: Rabbi, can Jews attend work holiday parties if it is only food and drinks? No caroling or Christmas stuff. I need to bring a gift for White Elephant (random… Read more »
Selling Christian Jewelry
Question: Recently acquired a jewelry business – part of their catalog included christian religious medals worn as a necklace pendant. Is there any halachic issue selling this? My understanding is… Read more »
Renting to a church
Question: i have a building could i rent it to a church Answer: It is good that you asked because, no, we are not allowed to rent our property to… Read more »
Holiday
Question: Rabbi, can one look in a store with Christmas decorations as long as I do not buy anything? And can I take pics in front of a decorated tree?… Read more »
Hebrew birthday on December 25th
Question: My Hebrew birthday is 17 Tevet, which this year falls on December 25th, a major non-Jewish holiday on which we usually refrain from celebrating or studying Torah. May I… Read more »
Doing work for a Charedi client who is selling statues on Amazon
Question: I run a U.S. business that files trademarks for frum businesses. We have a Charedi client from Monsey who sells a number of products on Amazon and has used… Read more »
Avoda Zara
Question: Is it Avoda Zara to learn about Catholicism because I was interested in parts of their religion and wanted to do it, especially catholic confession? Is it Avoda Zara… Read more »
Illusions
Question: Are magic tricks illusions) forbidden as entertainment? Answer: Good question- please see the following links that talk extensively about your question https://dinonline.org/2010/06/22/magic-as-innocent-as-it-seems/ https://dinonline.org/2017/07/07/magic-in-halacha-between-tricks-and-sorcery/ https://dinonline.org/2015/06/29/a-halachic-glance-at-magic/ Best Wishes