Rosh Yeshiva Responds
Rabbi Linzer answers halakhic questions from rabbis and community members

22 12, 2020

Assisting in Solstice Ritual

December 22nd, 2020|Non-Jews and Other Religions, Yoreh De'ah|

QUESTION

Detroit, MI

A non Jewish family member asks for some paper and matches from you so they can do a “solstice ritual” (which likely includes prayers to Mother Earth and the like). Are you allowed to give them the paper and matches?

ANSWER

The Gemara is clear that lifnei iveir applies to a non-Jew regarding his sheva mitzvot, of which avodah zarah is on the top of the list (Avodah Zarah 6a). However, that is limited to תרי עברי דנהר – when the non-Jew cannot get it

11 11, 2020

Buddha Statues for Art

November 11th, 2020|Non-Jews and Other Religions, Yoreh De'ah|

QUESTION

Maryland, USA

I was asked about keeping on display little Buddha statues collected for fun/art by a family that has now become more traditional.

ANSWER

The only issue is chashad. Will someone suspect a person of worshipping them? If they are the type that in a frum Buddhist home, they might actually be worshipped, then it would be a concern. If they are cheap, etc., clearly something for fun, decoration, etc., then it would not be a problem at all. See Shulchan Arukh YD 141:1-3.