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Judaism: Forbidden art?

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muman613:
http://www.oztorah.com/2009/10/inartistic-synagogues-ask-the-rabbi/

Q. Why is there more decorative art in churches than in synagogues?

A. There are a number of popular theories, e.g. that the strict observance of the Second Commandment with its ban on graven images prevented synagogues from indulging in art, and that Jewish communities were uprooted so often that they preferred makeshift synagogues that served a practical purpose and had little artistic embellishment. Both theories are not entirely correct, since there is evidence of art in ancient synagogues (a number of synagogal mosaics, for example, have been unearthed in Israel); and in the Middle Ages and later, many synagogues were impressive and solid edifices.

There is another factor which played an important role: the attitude to the Bible. In Judaism, the words and message of the Bible were an art form in themselves, and embellishing the synagogue or house of study with artistic creations was hardly necessary. Further, in Judaism everyone could read and the Bible was the inheritance of the people, whilst in Christianity the scriptures were the preserve of the priests and the people were largely illiterate. What ordinary worshippers knew of the Bible was read from the pictures, statues and icons which surrounded them in their churches and cathedrals.

Kahane-Was-Right BT:

--- Quote from: White Israelite on February 01, 2010, 03:46:30 AM ---I've been reading rabbi interpretation of halacha and from my understanding, it's forbidden to draw an image of a man or anything that would represent Hashem or the stars, moon, sun. This article goes as far as to claim that one should deface a statue, trophy, or a doll with human features.

http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache%3AQxZiLXoMHacJ%3Awww.thehalacha.com%2Fattach%2FVolume3%2FIssue8.pdf+Shulchan+Aruch%2C+Y.D.%2C+141%2C+4&hl=en&gl=us&sig=AHIEtbRzEki02yhTpDM9CCsG-QvyCeSXjQ&pli=1

Is this true? I am looking to get into art myself and do some sketches myself and would not want to engage in forbidden activity. I have seen some Jewish art that focuses on drawing people and while finding such artwork is rare (when I think of Jewish art, I don't think of focusing on a person as the picture), what I have seen is very well done and I am curious if this is a violation of halacha?

I've noticed such images of the Israelites is rare if not impossible to find and the only artwork that can be found is from Egyptians portrayal and some Assyrian drawings. There is also a picture of the Habiru in Egyptian hieroglyphics which some scholars claim are infact the Hebrews but that has not been proven yet.

There are some crude drawings of lions and some other animals but I would assume that a lot of the artwork is rare from those days because of the occupation from various empires throughout the course of history. It's hard enough finding documents and I'm sure finding art is going to be even more difficult.

--- End quote ---

Hmm good question although I think there is a difference between drawing a picture and making an actual figurine out of it.  I know the figurine type thing is forbidden.   That's usually what graven images refers to - a carving or statue.   I remember something related to this came up last year but can't remember what my rosh yeshiva had said about it.

White Israelite:
Is the statue of David forbidden then? Am I violating halacha by sketching people or drawing life like pictures of people?

muman613:

--- Quote from: White Israelite on February 01, 2010, 11:41:23 PM ---Is the statue of David forbidden then? Am I violating halacha by sketching people or drawing life like pictures of people?

--- End quote ---

As I have stated here it is up to the Rabbi to determine the halacha for you. I don't see a clear cut answer from what I have looked into. I usually take the strict interpretation and pretty much avoid all images in my house... I have no statues, no pictures of humans or animals, only wildlife...

But apparently, as always, there are questions about how strict some aspects of the second commandment run. If you want to do it the truly Orthodox Jewish way, you should find an Orthodox Rabbi you trust and ask him this question. If he knows you, and knows his halacha, he can advise you on the proper way to enjoy art without violating halacha.

PS: Personally I believe Michelangelo was violating the halacha... He drew an image of G-d, made statues of naked Jewish kings {David}.... I don't know what was wrong with Michelangelo...

Ari Ben-Canaan:
I have a tiny little buddha statue someone gave me.  Its like a inch tall.  I know Buddha is not worshiped, or considered a god, but surely he is a "molten" creation.  I have a wonderful friend who is a Buddhist, may I give her this item freely?  I might as well get rid of this tile I have that looks like the sun with a face on it... someone gave it to me because I work in tile sometimes. - I never really liked it, so it also may be happy in my friend's home.  I kinda feel good because she is my old room mate, and I think that my Judaism influenced her to go to Church w/ her Mom, and to delve into Buddhism on her own spiritual path.

Houseplants are kosher, yes?  Best replacement for iconographic contraband!

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