Page 34 - Tzurba Sampler

36 · Hilchot Avoda Zara I Tzurba M’Rabanan

Idolatrous Books

1. Rambam – It is prohibited to read such books.
2. Igrot Moshe – It is permitted to rule on matters of halacha, but only by gedolei hador.
If one needs to teach about an aspect of avoda zara, it must taught in a way that it is
clear that it is nonsense and foolishness.

Deriving Benefit from Idolatry

1. Shulchan Aruch – It is prohibited to derive benefit from idolatry even if it has
already been burned. One may not derive benefit from the sounds, scent or sight of
idolatry.
2. Chochmat Adam – It is forbidden to sit in the shade of avoda zara.
3. The use of tunes played for idol worship
a. Sefer Chasidim, Rema, and Mishna Berura – It is forbidden to use idolatrous
songs as part of Tefilla.
b. Yabia Omer – It is permitted.
c. Igrot Moshe – It is prohibited even if this tune is no longer used for idolatry.

Praising an Idol Worshiper

1. Gemara and Shulchan Aruch – It is forbidden to praise an idol or idol worshiper.
2. Tzitz Eliezer – The prohibition applies only to an idol worshiper.

3. Shach – It applies to any gentile.
4. Chochmat Adam – The reason is so that one should not become close with a gentile
and learn from his actions.

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