Posts in : June, 2013 - Orthodox Ketubot
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by Esti Horwitzposted in BlogComments Off on Great Halachah Question: Is a Christian Cross an Idol
We love wrestling with the ancient questions of Halacha, particularly as applied to the modern world. Here’s some interesting analysis of the question of, should we consider a Christian Cross to be an Idol or not?
My favorite response is here:
Need to look up exact source of the tshuvah, but paraphrasing the Ben Ish Hai: crosses in churches (and those found inbas-relief on antique “expensive” vessels, bowls etc) are to be considered as idols and used in idol-worship. He says however crosses worn on necklaces nowadays (in his day) are not considered such and are merely decorative. He also interestingly mentions paintings/images of “the Madonna” are not generally to be considered idols.
