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Avodah Zarah

  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church, cross

May one look at pictures of the inside a church? Must one spit when passing a church?

  It’s appropriate not to look at such pictures. Spitting isn't a requirement, but some have such a custom.   א. משום הרחק מן הכיעור. וראה שלהי דקייטא סימן כה.…

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  • Chabad Minhogim, Non-Jewish Activities, Pesach
  • challah, segulah

Is it our Minhag to make Shlissel Challah?

  There is no official Chabad minhag as such. But it's perfectly ok to make the shlissel challah, and the minhag is based on holy sources.   Note: If there…

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  • Non-Jewish Activities, Shul

Is there anything wrong with playing musical instruments in Shul as part of the services while davening (on week days of course)?

  Yes it's wrong, as it’s considered imitation of gentile practices.   Sources: כ״כ גדולי ישראל רבים  - ראה שו״ת חת״ס ו, פו הביאו במשנ״ב שלח, י. ס׳ צרור החיים…

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  • Gentiles, Hashavas Aveida, Sales, Stealing
  • Chillul Hashem, Kiddush Hashem, non jews, Returning, stealing

I returned a purchase in a non-Jewish store, and the cashier realized I was refunded an extra $60. Do I need to return the money?

  One may not intentionally deceive anyone, including non-Jews, but it is permissible to take advantage of a mistake made by a gentile (ta’us akum), unless doing so will cause…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Birth, Kishuf, Pregnancy
  • Astrology, avodah zarah, birth, Science

Is it permitted to examine an astrological birth chart, to determine general character traits (based on the elements, planets etc.,) if one avoids any predictive astrology or fatalistic interpretations?

There is a debate amongst early Rishonim whether ancient astrology has any truth to it, though all agree that a Jew shouldn't lead his life solely based off it, see…

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  • Gentiles, Tzedaka
  • non-jew, Reward, tzedaka

How much Tzedaka should a non Jew give? Do they also get rewarded?

  A Ben-Noach that does a Mitzvah which has a positive effect on himself or on the world around him, like giving Tzedakah, will indeed be rewarded. However there are…

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  • Gentiles, Meat and Milk
  • food, goy, non-jew, יו"ד קיז

May I send non-kosher food as a gift to a non-Jewish client?

  You may, as this will keep the harmony. However you may not buy anything that contains beef, lamb, or goat meat and dairy mixed together while hot, for instance…

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  • Avodah Zarah

Is the popular Chinese yin-yang symbol a symbol of Avodah Zarah?

  If I have toys that have it on them, must I destroy them? Can I draw it on a paper?   Answer: From my understanding it represents a philosophy…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • sun

Is it permissible to take a picture of the sun setting?

  According to some there is indeed a prohibition to take a picture of the sun. Even according to those that are lenient, it seems that printing such a picture…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church, יו"ד קמט

Is a Jewish landlord allowed to rent a property to a non Jew, if he knows they will use it for a Church nursery school?

  No, as they will bring in Avoda Zara or do their practices/prayers there. However, if it’s a purely secular school (ran by a church) there is no issue.  …

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • dolls, snow, winter

Is it allowed to build a snowman?

  It is permitted. This is because it doesn't have real resemblance to a person and it won't last for a long time. It should be noted however that there…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • new years, sunday, יום אידם

Am I allowed to arrange a program for non-Frum teens on Dec. 24/25/31 or Jan. 1, because there is no school or work on those days? Or is it a problem to davka set it up for any of those days?

  A program may be set up for those days, provided the emphasis in the promotional material is specifically on the fact that there is no school these days and…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • יו"ד קמח, מעשה רב

Can I wish a Goy on Mivtzoim happy new years or happy holidays?

  One should refrain from wishing Happy New Year to a non-Jew which observes it out of secular belief. Happy Holidays is less of a problem, but should be avoided…

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  • - Halacha Articles, Avodah Zarah, Birthday
  • chukos hagoyim

Article: Is celebrating anniversaries a Jewish thing?

  There is a particular appeal to round numbers, usually associated with birthdays and anniversaries, when a big deal is made of the celebrant and their milestone. There is not…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Gentiles, Talmud Torah
  • יו"ד: הלכות עבודה זרה

Non-Jewish Or Non-Frum Teachers

  Question: The Rama writes (YD 153:1): “ואין מוסרים להם תינוק ללמדו ספר או ללמדו אומנות דמשכי ליה למינות”. Based on this - what is the heter to hire non-Jewish/non-frum…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • Church, entering a church, יו"ד קמט, יו"ד קנ

Can I Sleep In A Church?

  Question: I came across a job opportunity that would have me helping needy people in towns across the United States. There is just one problem, it seems the accommodations…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Medical
  • exercise, fitness, karate, Martial arts

What is the Hashkafah on learning martial arts or karate?

  Question: I was recommended to do martial arts for good fitness and focus, with the bonus of some self defense techniques. Is this allowed? They claim to be Pareve…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • baby care, exercise, kneeling, prostrating, tile floor

Kneeling while bathing children or during exercises

  Question: When I give my baby a bath, often the most comfortable position to do it is by kneeling, meaning to have my knees on the floor and bend…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Rosh Hashana, Shofar
  • או"ח תקפו

Is a Shofar that has been used by a non Jew during his prayer ceremonies Kosher to use on Rosh Hashana?

  My father received a shofar from a non Jewish friend of his. The shofar had been used by this man during his prayer ceremonies with his congregation. Is the…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • drawing stars, moon, הלכות עבודה זרה, יו"ד קמא

Can I buy for my kids a night lamp that projects onto the ceiling the moon and the stars?

  Such a purchase is not recommended and potentially problematic halachically. However if there is a real need, like to help your children relax and fall asleep, and there’s no…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • elokim, Hashem's name

May one pronounce אלהים when saying these Pesukim

  Question: May one pronounce אלהים when saying 1. אלהים אחרים 2. ואתה תהיה לו לאלהים (where Rashi explains לרב ולשר)? I.e. when one is not reading the whole passuk…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • flags

Displaying and looking at flags with symbols of the Nazarene faith

  Question: Many national flags (especially of European countries) and historical coats-of-arms incorporate symbols of the Nazarene faith. Is it permitted to display such flags and is there any idea…

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  • Avodah Zarah
  • camps

Can camps do a color run as an activity?

  There is a popular camp activity called color run, where campers run across a path as fellow campers shower them with colored chalk powder. It is a fun group…

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  • Avodah Zarah, Uncategorized
  • Chanukas Habayis, moving, יו"ד קעט

Are there certain days of the week on which one should or should not move?

  One should not move homes on Monday (including Sunday night) or Wednesday (including Tuesday night). It most auspicious and preferable to move on Tuesday (including Monday night). If the…

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  • Avodah Zarah

May one watch the “Patterns Of Evidence” series?

  לכבוד הרה"ג הרב ברוין שליט"א, “Patterns Of Evidence” is a heavily advertised series of videos and books. In short, it is ran by Christians who go on missions to…

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