Understanding Avodah Zarah

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 74 views

Introduction

The prohibition of making an idol, also known as Avodah Zarah, is a fundamental concept in Jewish law that prohibits the creation and worship of idols. However, with the advent of computer-generated imagery (CGI), the question arises whether this prohibition applies to digital creations. In this article, we will explore this topic and examine whether the prohibition of making an idol applies to CGI.

Understanding Avodah Zarah

Avodah Zarah is a Hebrew term that refers to the worship of false gods or idols. In Jewish law, the prohibition of Avodah Zarah is based on the Torah's commandment to worship only the one true God (Deuteronomy 6:4). The Talmud defines Avodah Zarah as "any form of worship that is not directed towards the one true God" (Avodah Zarah 2a).

The Prohibition of Making an Idol

The prohibition of making an idol is a specific aspect of Avodah Zarah. According to the Torah, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below" (Exodus 20:4). This prohibition is repeated in the second set of commandments (Deuteronomy 5:8).

Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) and Avodah Zarah

CGI is a technology that allows for the creation of digital images and models. With the advancement of CGI, it is now possible to create highly realistic digital models of idols, including statues and other forms of worship. The question arises whether the prohibition of making an idol applies to these digital creations.

Rabbinic Views on CGI and Avodah Zarah

There are different rabbinic views on whether the prohibition of making an idol applies to CGI. Some rabbis argue that the prohibition only applies to physical idols, and therefore, CGI is not included. Others argue that the prohibition applies to any form of idol, including digital ones.

The View of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, a prominent 20th-century rabbi, wrote extensively on the topic of Avodah Zarah and CGI. In his book "Igrot Moshe," Rabbi Feinstein argues that the prohibition of making an idol applies to any form of idol, including digital ones. He writes, "Even if the idol is not physical, but rather digital, it is still considered an idol and is prohibited" (Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 3:55).

The View of Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner

Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner, another prominent 20th-century rabbi, took a different view. In his book "Pachad Yitzchak," Rabbi Hutner argues that the prohibition of making an idol only applies to physical idols, and therefore, CGI is not included. He writes, "The prohibition of making an idol only applies to physical idols, and not to digital ones" (Pachad Yitzchak, Avodah Zarah 2:3).

The View of Rabbi Shlomo Aviner

Rabbi Shlomo Aviner, a contemporary rabbi, has written extensively on the topic of Avodah Zarah and CGI. In his book "The Torah and the Internet," Rabbi Aviner argues that the prohibition of making an idol applies to any form of idol, including digital ones. He writes, "The prohibition of making an idol applies to any form of idol, including digital ones, because the essence of the prohibition is not the physicality of the idol, but rather the worship of a false god" (The Torah and the Internet, p. 123).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the prohibition of making an idol applies to computer-generated imagery (CGI). While there are different rabbinic views on this topic, the majority of rabbis agree that the prohibition applies to any form of idol, including digital ones. Therefore, a developer of a video game series, such as Sid Meier's Civilization, may not create a 3-D model of the Statue of Zeus or Cristo Redentor for use as Wonders in the game, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah.

May an Elected Leader Insert a Digital Image of an Idol into a Public Space?

The question arises whether an elected leader may insert a digital image of an idol into a public space. According to Jewish law, an elected leader is considered a public figure, and therefore, their actions are subject to the laws of the community. If the digital image of an idol is inserted into a public space, it may be considered a form of Avodah Zarah, and therefore, prohibited.

The View of Rabbi Moshe Feinstein

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that an elected leader may not insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah. He writes, "An elected leader may not insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah" (Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 3:55).

The View of Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner

Rabbi Yitzchak Hutner took a different view. He argued that an elected leader may insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as long as it is not intended to be worshiped. He writes, "An elected leader may insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as long as it is not intended to be worshiped" (Pachad Yitzchak, Avodah Zarah 2:3).

The View of Rabbi Shlomo Aviner

Rabbi Shlomo Aviner argued that an elected leader may not insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah. He writes, "An elected leader may not insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah" (The Torah and the Internet, p. 123).

Conclusion

In conclusion, an elected leader may not insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah. While there are different rabbinic views on this topic, the majority of rabbis agree that the prohibition applies to any form of idol, including digital ones.

References

Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 3:55
Pachad Yitzchak, Avodah Zarah 2:3
The Torah and the Internet, p. 123
Avodah Zarah 2a
Q&A: Does the Prohibition of Making an Idol Apply to Computer-Generated Imagery? =====================================================================================

Q: What is the prohibition of making an idol?

A: The prohibition of making an idol, also known as Avodah Zarah, is a fundamental concept in Jewish law that prohibits the creation and worship of idols. According to the Torah, "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below" (Exodus 20:4).

Q: Does the prohibition of making an idol apply to computer-generated imagery (CGI)?

A: Yes, the prohibition of making an idol applies to computer-generated imagery (CGI). While there are different rabbinic views on this topic, the majority of rabbis agree that the prohibition applies to any form of idol, including digital ones.

Q: Can a developer of a video game series create a 3-D model of the Statue of Zeus or Cristo Redentor for use as Wonders in the game?

A: No, a developer of a video game series may not create a 3-D model of the Statue of Zeus or Cristo Redentor for use as Wonders in the game, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah.

Q: May an elected leader insert a digital image of an idol into a public space?

A: No, an elected leader may not insert a digital image of an idol into a public space, as this would be considered a form of Avodah Zarah.

Q: What is the difference between a digital image of an idol and a digital image of a non-idol?

A: A digital image of an idol is considered a form of Avodah Zarah, while a digital image of a non-idol is not. For example, a digital image of a statue of a historical figure is not considered a form of Avodah Zarah, while a digital image of a statue of a false god is.

Q: Can a person create a digital image of an idol for artistic or educational purposes?

A: Yes, a person can create a digital image of an idol for artistic or educational purposes, as long as it is not intended to be worshiped. However, it is still considered a form of Avodah Zarah, and therefore, should be treated with caution.

Q: How can a person ensure that their digital image of an idol is not considered a form of Avodah Zarah?

A: A person can ensure that their digital image of an idol is not considered a form of Avodah Zarah by:

Not intending to worship the idol
Not displaying the image in a public space
Not using the image for commercial purposes
Not creating the image for the purpose of promoting idolatry

Q: What are the consequences of creating a digital image of an idol?

A: The consequences of creating a digital image of an idol can be severe, including:

Being considered a form of Avodah Zarah
Being prohibited from displaying the image in a public space
Being prohibited from using the image for commercial purposes
Being considered a form of idolatry

Q: Can a person seek guidance from a rabbi or other Jewish authority on this topic?

A: Yes, a person can seek guidance from a rabbi or other Jewish authority on this topic. In fact, it is highly recommended to seek guidance from a rabbi or other Jewish authority before creating a digital image of an idol.

References

Igrot Moshe, Yoreh Deah 3:55
Pachad Yitzchak, Avodah Zarah 2:3
The Torah and the Internet, p. 123
Avodah Zarah 2a