- Halacha
- General Questions
798
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I have photos/videos and documents pertaining to other religions. For instance, images of artifacts. Must I delete these? It would be very mentally hard for me to go through all of my documents and images. Additionally, I have band t-shirts pertaining to demons. Must I throw these out?
Best,
Sophia
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom
The Shulchan Aruch, Code of Jewish Law (Yoreh De'ah 142:15) states that one is forbidden to look at beauty of idols, as one derives pleasure from their sight. The commentators explain that the beauty which may not be looked upon is of things that have been worshiped, but things which were made for beauty only ,may be looked upon.
Furthermore, the Rema adds that if one has no intention to derive pleasure from looking at them it is also permitted.
A highly respected Rabbi, the author of the books "Orchotecha Lamdeni"] 'who chose to remain in anonymity], limits the prohibition of looking at the beauty of idols only to the actual forms, artifacts, buildings etc. of idol worship , but not the pictures of them. Therefore, your pictures on the computer do not have to be erased.
In regard to the t-shirts ,it is not totally clear to me what these demons represent , but if they are not connected to idolatry just having them does not pose a problem.
All the best

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