Church music

Hello,

[Please see the disclaimer atop this blog; I am aware that there are other views, besides that of Rav Moshe, in this matter.]

A Jew may not listen to music used in church services, whether it is in contemporary use or not. Listening is, at least, an action which could tempt a person to participate in such services; singing along could actually constitute a violation of biblical law.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 2:56)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Sculpting forms of animals

Hi,

A Jew may sculpt forms of animals for aesthetic purposes, and keep such forms; an example would be the eagle found atop the pole of many American flags.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 2:55)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Making a statue

Hello,

A Jew is not permitted to make a statue of a human being, even if it is done solely for aesthetic purposes.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 2:54)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Missionary materials with Gd's Name

Hi,

Missionary materials produced to attract Jews to other religions, which include Gd's Name, do not have any sanctity, and may be erased or destroyed.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:172)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

An oath on a non-Jewish religious text

Hi,

We are not permitted to cause others to invoke their non-Jewish gods. Nonetheless, one is permitted to sue a non-Jew to recover that which has been unjustly taken from him, even though the defendant will take an oath in the name of his deity.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:71)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Stamps with crosses on them

Hello,

One who sells stamps for his livelihood may sell stamps which have crosses on them. These are like the crosses on coins, which are there for identification purposes rather than for worship, as evidenced by the way the stamps are treated in circulation.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:69)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

A church gymnasium

Hi,

Children should not play sports in the gym of a church, even in the absence of any church icons.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 4:40:26)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

A synagogue next to a place of idolatry

Hi,

There is no problem with having a synagogue is located next to a place of idol worship, evening if bowing toward the Aron Kodesh results in bowing toward the place of idol worship. It is clear that one is bowing as is normally done in synagogues, and it is not considered worship of the building next door.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Orach Chaim 1:47)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Looking at the moon during Kiddush Levanah

Hi,

There is some debate as to whether one should look at the moon, and how much to do so, after beginning Kiddush Levanah. The concern seems to be for the appearance of moon-worship.

Certainly, one looks at the moon before beginning the berachah. After that, though, some continue to look, and others specifically look away. Consult your local rabbi to determine the custom of your community.

(Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 426:2; Mishneh Berurah 426:13)

Have a great day,
Mordechai