Pictures, Paintings, and Images

Although doing so is routine today, there have been halachic authorities in the past who opposed the practice of displaying pictures and paintings in one's home. This included portraits and pictures of people, as well.[1] The opposition to this seemingly innocent practice was based on the concern that such depictions might be a violation of the biblical prohibition of making "graven images".[2] Indeed, in many ancient religions even innocent and meaningless images were regularly used in idol worship. Therefore, many authorities opposed displaying such images since we are commanded to distance ourselves from idolatry as much as possible.[3]

Nevertheless, it is noted that only graven and protruding images are those which are truly forbidden.[4] As such, most authorities argue that it is only engraved, raised, or sculptured images that are forbidden while paintings, photographs and other flat images are completely permitted.[5] Although there are a number of authorities who continue to frown upon even flat images[6] the halacha is not in accordance with this view. One is, in fact, permitted to collect and display all manner of flat images without reservation.[7] There are also those who permit all flat images with the exception of human images and celestial bodies.^[8]

It is argued that in our day the original ban on pictures and other images is no longer applicable or relevant. This is because there does not seem to be a religion today that uses pictures, paintings, or photographs as an inherent component of their worship. Even religions which make use of iconic images generally do so for representational and symbolic purposes, rather than idolatrous ones. It is also noted that such religious icons are quite distinct in design and appearance and are unlike contemporary art, images, and photography.[9] For this reason, along with other considerations, most halachic authorities sanction the widespread practice of displaying family portraits, pictures of great rabbis, and other forms of artwork.[10] In fact, one is required to show reverence to pictures and artwork of a religious nature.

It is interesting to note that there are further grounds for leniency today. This is because most modern-day pictures and images are mechanically produced and many authorities are of the opinion that the original ban on such things only applied to images fashioned by hand. When one takes a photograph one is not personally generating the image – the camera is. Therefore, it is argued that cameras and other similar equipment should be permitted without reservation.[11] Nevertheless, one will still find great rabbis today who are opposed to even simple photography. For example, the Karliner-Stoliner Rebbe of Jerusalem, Rabbi Baruch Meir Yaakov Shochet, is famous for his fierce opposition to photography. In fact, he even forbids photography at events such as weddings and bar-mitzvas.[12] Although the halacha is certainly not in accordance with this view one should not take pictures of such people against their will.[13]

[1] Tosfot Yoma 54a; Ben Ish Chai, Maasei; YD 141:4.

[2] Shemot 20:3.

[3] Chinuch 39.

[4] Tosfot, Yoma 54a; Shraga Hameir 5:37.

[5] Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 3:10.

[6] Raavad, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 3:10.

[7] YD 141:4; Yaavetz 1:170.

[8] Rosh Hashana 24a; Shraga Hameir 6:66.

[9] Chochmat Adam 85:6.

[10] Yabia Omer, YD 4:22:3; Kinyan Torah 1:55:2.

[11] Shevet Halevi 7:134; Yabia Omer, YD 4:22:3; Teshuvot V’hanhagot 3:263.

[12] This conduct is essentially a personal chumra which he does not enforce upon his Chassidim.

[13] Rivevot Ephraim 7:262; Mishne Halachot 4:114; B'tzel Hachachma 4:85; Divrei Malkiel 3:5:58.