Would Judaism Condone Smashing Ancient Figurines?

The Torah tells the people of Israel to destroy the idols they find when they enter the Land of Canaan. Presumably, the Torah’s laws have no expiration date. Would this require me to shatter figurines and other idols today? How about museum pieces that have historical significance?

Reply

Before you get your hammer and start smashing things, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. Generally speaking, there are two kinds of figurines, those that are worshipped and those that are not, and each type has its own set of laws.

Non-Idolatrous Images

One is biblically forbidden to make the form of a man out of any material (e.g., metals, wood, stone), even if just for decoration, as the verse states, “You shall not make with Me [iti]; gods of silver, or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves.”1 This can be read as: “You shall not make Me [oti]”; in other words, “Do not make a replica of that form—the human body—about which I wrote in My Torah, ‘Let us make man in Our image.’2”3

According to most, this prohibition only applies to making a three-dimensional4 full form of a person5 (e.g., a figurine or statue).

(Additionally, we learn from the literal reading of the verse, “You shall not make with Me,” that one is also forbidden to make images of celestial creations such as the sun, moon, stars, constellations or the angels, since the verse implies that one should not make images of those who are “with” G‑d on high.6 According to many, unlike images of man, one should not make even non-protruding, two-dimensional images of these celestial creations.7 This prohibition, however, does not extend to images made for learning purposes.8 The details of this prohibition are beyond the scope of this article.)

In addition to the biblical prohibition of making these images, there is a rabbinic prohibition to not keep the images in our possession, since it can appear as if you made them and/or that they are being kept in order to worship.9

Some are of the opinion that nowadays, when the vast majority of people don’t worship these images, one may keep them once they have already been obtained.10 Others disagree and are of the opinion that one can only keep them if the images are somewhat disfigured.11

Although, as explained, a Jew may not generally make or keep these types of images, one may nevertheless benefit from them.12 So as long as the images aren’t statues or icons made for idolatry, one would be permitted to visit a monument or museum to look at them, and one certainly doesn’t have to break them.

Destroying Idols

There are, however, many statues that were originally made as idols or icons that represent some sort of deity. In this case, one is prohibited from deriving any benefit or enjoyment from them.

But do we need to destroy them, as the Torah commands us in many places?13

There are a few factors to take into consideration. Firstly, the idol of a non-Jew can be “annulled.”14 In other words, if an idol worshipper demonstrates that he no longer considers the idol to be sacred by physically disfiguring it slightly (or, according to some, by at least stating his intent to do so), that idol loses the status of a deity. A Jew may then derive benefit from it. This, however, only works only if the idol was not owned by a Jew and if the person disfiguring the idol is himself an idol worshipper.

Alternatively, the idol is annulled if the idol was abandoned in a time of peace (or even in war, if the owner was able to return to it, but chose not to).15

Secondly, outside of Israel, one is only obligated to destroy idols that were not annulled (i.e., still have the status of a bona fide idol) and, additionally, are in a Jew’s possession or control.16

Since most of the idols in museums are not in the possession of Jews or under sole Jewish control, and many of these statues belong to religions and nations that have abandoned their deities and faded into oblivion, the commandment to destroy idols would not apply to them. Nevertheless, at a minimum, it is still virtuous to avoid gazing and deriving pleasure from them.17

We pray for the day when all will realize the true oneness of G‑d, the day when “the world will be filled with the knowledge of G‑d as the waters cover the ocean bed.”18 May it be speedily in our days!

Footnotes

Exodus 20:20.

Genesis 1:26.

This verse is really referring to man being bestowed with intellect. See Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 24b; Chinuch 39; Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 3:10.

Avoda Zara 43b; Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:4-5.

See Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:7.

Talmud, Rosh Hashanah 24b.

Talmud, Avodah Zarah 43b; Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:4.

Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:4; Igrot Moshe, Yoreh De’ah 3:33.

Talmud, Avoda Zarah 43b; Rama, Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:3 and commentaries ad loc.

10.

See Ritvah on Talmud, Avodah Zarah 43b; Gra on Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:3; Darkei Teshuvah, Yoreh De’ah 141:31.

11.

Shach and Taz (based on Rama) on Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:3.

12.

Rama, Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 141:3.

13.

Deuteronomy 7:7, 12:2-3.

14.

Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 146:1.

15.

Ibid. 146:10.

16.

Rambam, Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:1.

17.

See Talmud, Avodah Zarah 50a.

18.

Isaiah 11:9.

By Yehuda Shurpin

A noted scholar and researcher, Rabbi Yehuda Shurpin serves as content editor at Chabad.org, and writes the popular weekly Ask Rabbi Y column. Rabbi Shurpin is the rabbi of the Chabad Shul in St. Louis Park, Minn., where he resides with his wife, Ester, and their children.

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75 Comments

Mark Washington March 2, 2021

By a complete accident, once a desk statue of Moses came into my posession. Moses reading a large book. It seemed wrong to throw it into the trash, or destroy or bury it.. I think I finally managed to give it away to someone. Any advice what else I could have done in that scenario? Reply

Mark Myron Dobson SATELLITE BCH February 16, 2021

No, you cannot really bury them as much as you might believe you did. And even smashing them to smithereens, as you know from cartoons, the idol will re-assemble itself in seconds. You must find that idol in your psyche, find how you feed it, and finally stop feeding it. Reply

Gilbert Miami February 8, 2021

Good Morning,
Why can’t idols just be thrown away in the garbage ? Or destroyed than thrown out ?
Please forgive me if you answered this question before. Reply

Rachel Schechter Champaign February 15, 2021

in response to Gilbert :

If you are outside of Israel and the idols have not been "annulled" and are in your possession or under your control, you can destroy them and trash them. Reply

Betzalel Jerusalem, Israel February 8, 2021

I see many comments here from people who “think”they know the answer. When it comes to anything in this World, we must find a Rav who specializes in that certain area of Halacha to answer our questions. Reply

John Western Europe February 6, 2021

Thank you for this interesting article. Some time ago someone got possession of a box full of idols when he was clearing out an apartment. He gained possession, but actually not ownership. The owner was no longer available. After a while he wanted to get rid of the idols. Of Avraham Avinus father -Terah- was said to have had a trade in idols (?). That´s why he thought it would be okay to sell the idols to an art dealer. After reading the article, I have serious doubts if this was right. After all, what should have been done with the sales proceeds? A short answer would be nice. Reply

Rachel Schechter Champaign February 7, 2021

in response to John :

He is not allowed to "benefit" from the idols so he cannot keep the money. If he gives the money to charity, he benefits in performing a mitzvah. Yet, that could be interpreted as "elevating" the money from a negative or evil status. Best to ask a rabbi for absolute clarification. Reply

Jay E. Simkin Nashua, NH, USA February 7, 2021

in response to John :

The best way to get rid of idols is to bury them, in a place where they are not likely to be unearthed, or to throw them into a sea/ocean, or into a deep, fast-flowing river.

Here's the precedent: "And they gave Jacob all the deities of the nations that were in their possession and the earrings that were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the terebinth that was near Shechem." Bereishis (Genesis) 35:4.

A "terebinth" is a large shrub or shrub-like tree, that has an unpleasant aroma. It is not likely to be cut-down for its wood. Reply

John Western Europe February 8, 2021

in response to Jay E. Simkin:

I think the terebinth is a satisfactory solution to the problem. Many Thanks! Reply

Shnarkle Von Barkle Inverness, FL. February 6, 2021

For most of my life, people identified me as a "biker". I had a number of bikes which I loved riding. I would spend hours washing and detailing them, devotedly polishing the chrome, and admiring their beauty along with everyone else who appreciated finely crafted motorcycles. Over the years I began to notice I wasn't getting as much enjoyment out of them as I used to. Washing and polishing them was becoming a burden until one day I realized I was an idolater. I was ashamed and disgusted, yet I couldn't see how I could part with my prized bikes. Then one day, I just gave my prized chopper away. It was painful, yet it was the best thing I could have done to severe my attachment to things. It then became much easier for me to see how I was still an idolater and get rid of yet more of my idols. Getting rid of the biggest idol made it easier to see how I was the biggest idol in my life which allowed me to see that life itself is not something for me to possess like an idol. Reply

Bert Clayton North Charleston February 7, 2021

in response to Shnarkle Von Barkle:

I'd question if that would be idolatry, there's the good kind of pride where there's integrity in what you do. Biblically there's this narrative about these people that were used to build something where their craftsmanship was highly regarded. Stone, wood something. Only you would know, but too many try to over purify what is good so it becomes bad. Like icons, there's icons of Jonah and the whale or fish, where the icon tells a story, similiar to hieroglyphics. Then to compare, there's the Seraphim's and cherubim that went with the ark of the covenant. Where they were not worshipped like the golden calf, where intent distinguishes good or bad. Dividing the truth from perception is very important. If someone thinks I'm mistaken, I welcome correction, with an explanation. Reply

Jay E. Simkin Nashua, NH USA February 7, 2021

in response to Shnarkle Von Barkle:

You mis-allocated time and energy, but were not an idolator. An idolator attributes to things - man-made or natural - powers these items do not have. So as long as You did not pray to your Yamaha or to your Harley Davidson for good fortune or good health, you were no idolator. Reply

Shnarkle Von Barkle Inverness, FL. February 9, 2021

in response to Bert Clayton:

God creates mankind in his image to reflect God, yet what effective difference is there between the idolater who adorns their idol verses someone who adorns themselves? My attention was focused on these decorations which were exclusively for my own benefit. Sure, someone else could appreciate it for its own sake, but ultimately it was mine, and for my sake. The reason I know it is a clear case of idolatry was because of the incredible pain I felt when I gave it away. The dividing line between one who has an appreciation verses one who is an idolater is in which one is able to let go and walk away. I'm still an idolater. I'm just not decorating this idol anymore. Reply

Mia Vancouver February 5, 2021

Very interesting and thorough. I wonder if making a human portrait on a piece of paper or canvas, with pencil or paint, is ok. Reply

Betzalel Jerusalem, Israel February 7, 2021

in response to Mia:

I am a Goldsmith and I was making a Star of David with two doves holding an olive branch in the center, and after, I would carve and engrave it. Before engraving it, I was thinking about the negative Mitzvah(Commandment) of avodah zara(idol worship) and, was I in violation of the 2nd Commandment. I asked the Chabad Rabbi of my community about it, and he explained that as long as the image is two dimensional and not three dimensional then it is fine. Reply

Rachel Schechter Champaign February 7, 2021

in response to Mia:

Painting? A human being? Of course that's allowed. Painting images of God or any other heavenly beings is not. Not even depictions of angels. Certainly not Gods from other religions. Reply

Bert Clayton North Charleston February 7, 2021

in response to Mia:

Good question, where there's no difference in that versus pictures or video that's done electronically as far as I can tell. Which use robotics and computers to make a golden calf to be worshipped, it's still idolatry. But if it is not worshipped, how can it be wrong? Reply

Lawrence Connecticut via jewishwoodlands.com February 5, 2021

I believe in Tel Aviv there is a statue (although a caricature) of Ben Gurion standing on his head along the beach in Tel Aviv. Is it wrong to smile at the statue as a reminder of that quirk, and to have respect in my heart for him? That is, I am not idolizing him, but I am remembering and recognizing his earthly accomplishments.

Similar question, but now outside of Israel. At the Lincoln Memorial, is it wrong to look upon President Lincoln's statute and remember his service to the United States? I look upon him, not to idolize him, but out of respect for his actions.

Shabbat Shalom to anybody reading this. Reply

Jay E. Simkin Nashua, NH, USA February 8, 2021

in response to Lawrence:

If a statute reminds us of someone, who did good things, and we pause before the statue and thank the A-mighty for the good things He inspired the commemorated person to do, that it is not idolatry. I can never be wrong to thank the A-mighty for His beneficence. Indeed, we do this every day at the start of Shacharit.

A question of ma'aros eyein - an appearance of impropriety that misleads someone - arises if a bystander thinks our words are directed towards the image, not to the A-mighty. If one is moved to prayer, then pray aloud, so that it is clear your words are directed towards the A-mighty, and not to the statue.

This may not be necessary, unless one is in a country wherein it is required (or customary) to pay homage before statues of humans (dead or alive). North Korea is such a country. Otherwise, few - if any - would attribute to a statue of a President or Prime Minister any powers to do anything. Reply

Erica Usa February 5, 2021

Also a comparison to your property being your garden of eden and in the midst being knowledge..aka a neighbors, communities, governing bodies statues, idols etc. Don't go there, don't desire that for yourself, see it, hear about it, don't desire it, don't go there to it, keeping working in your garden. G-d allowed that to be there and didn't destroy it. The garden of Eden Adam and Eve and their first neighbor. G-d told them what to do, what not to do and told them why. I trust what I read to be true. Reply

Erica Usa February 5, 2021

As far as breaking idols of others while living outside of Israel, I think this goes to loving thy neighbor as thyself and not coveting anything that belongs to the neighbor as well as refraining from a form of theft, trespass, and inviting trouble to thy door. When a property is purchased from someone and idols are left as well as anything left that needs cleared by law, then it is yours do that as is required. Your property is cleared, cleaned and readied for your inhabitants accordingly. Reply

Mark Washington February 5, 2021

In Israel, there are statues of people and animals, in parks and other public spaces. Of course no-one worships them, and also they are noticeably less common than in Europe or the U.S. With all that said, is there anything wrong with them? Reply

Rachel Schechter Champaign February 7, 2021

in response to Mark:

No. Reply

Jeanne Peltz Margate February 5, 2021

One must respect others and other property. If one admires a sculpured statue, this differs from praying to an inanimate object. In South Africa, we are exposed frequently to the destruction of our heritage, by the wanton destruction of the universities, equipment, looting etc - the heritage acquired from the ANC, with a philosophy of destruction. Wanton destruction of property is barbaric. Books are ripped to pieces by the ANC supporters. I read that we are not permitted to destroy books, but we can bury them - is this true? Reply

Betzalel Jerusalem, Israel February 7, 2021

in response to Jeanne Peltz:

Religious Jewish Books that display G-Ds name on it or in it must be buried and not just thrown away. Reply

Rachel Schechter Champaign February 7, 2021

in response to Jeanne Peltz:

We are obligated to bury sacred Judaic texts, even calendars. If in doubt, donate them to a Jewish Community Center or Federation or to your shul. Reply

Bert North Charleston February 5, 2021

I've long had questions on this, where pictures from a camera are made mechanically/chemically which is still the same as a hand drawn portrait. It's been my understanding that it simply applies to something worshipped as a deity or God which is not. As the molten calf in Genesis. As it's said to be a God, sort of like an amulet. But Jews used ancient money that had portraits on it.
Then think of electronic portraits where a person is captured. I guess my question is a bit more in depth but along the same lines as asking about A.I. and robotics below.
Do Jews not keep pictures of family or revered rabbis? Or even portraits? Which many nonjews do not have a frame of reference for the full scope, so more elaboration is needed. As there's icons or drawn portraits of saints, which the icon is nothing, but as hieroglyphics, they have stories told as I understand it. Say like Jonah and the whale. This could use more elaboration. Reply

Stephen Weinstein Camarillo, CA, USA via chabadcamarillo.com February 6, 2021

in response to Bert:

Pictures/portraits are 2D (flat) images, not 3D (with depth). Read the sentence "According to most, this prohibition only applies to making a three-dimensional full form of a person (e.g., a figurine or statue). " Reply

Bert Clayton North Charleston March 2, 2021

in response to Stephen Weinstein:

If something is not idolized or worshipped or revered as something in itself, how can it be idolatry? As the golden calf was said to be a God. But not so with the serpent on the staff or the cherubim and Seraphim's on the ark of the covenant. It'd be helpful for a rabbi to interject. Which do rabbis have a universal understanding amongst each other, or do different rabbis have different opinions?
Like naming streets after someone or making statutes of someone that are mere mortals seems to be idolatry. Where some egoes swell thinking very high of themselves to see their name on everything.
It would really seem to be simple, by intent. Where again, feedback is valuable. Reply

Richard Lennard Glasgow February 5, 2021

How about the modern idols we are inclined to worship ... 'wealth, beauty, good reputation and so forth. Reply

Mark Washington February 5, 2021

in response to Richard Lennard:

Being obsessed with wealth etc has not been encouraged, but I think these things would not be considered idols, because there is no actual worship. Attaching something an undue importance and worshipping it are rather different things. Reply

Richard Lennard Glasgow February 7, 2021

in response to Mark:

Thanks for you comments Mark. I would consider that the lengths we can go to the gain wealth, beauty and good reputation, to the exclusion of other things, for me , this would count as worship. Reply

Mark Washington February 8, 2021

in response to Richard Lennard:

You're simply using the word "worship" in a different meaning. When we speak of worshipping idols, we mean praying to them, requesting good fortune and other things, etc. People don't pray to objects of luxury. Sadly, some spend a great deal of effort to acquire them, true, but that is very different. Reply

Zusel be Shlomo February 4, 2021

How does this apply to the contestants on "American Idol?" Idols are a broad term and can be any thing that is elevated to the level of"worship." Reply

Daniel Novi February 4, 2021

B'H.
When I go to gun shows or antique weapon shows... I find some tables of military memorabilia. Then maybe out of 500 tables selling things like a flea market I'll find one that has nazi stuff and it makes me sick. I just want to buy that stuff so I can burn it, to permentally erase that stuff from the planet. A cleansing.

I see it like this..... Destroy the idols and symbology. It further erases sick nations and peoples...

Then in the future and forever any person that is drawn to that form of idol worshipping will have to see on their sick german memorabilia "made in Mexico" or "made in china".. lol

It makes me feel joy. I think that helps bring forward Messianic times in some small way. I think the world needs help. Reply

Aleksandr Yakubson staten island February 4, 2021

So basically, does this all mean it's ok for instance to destroy Catholics' statues, Orthodox Christians' icons and such? those denominations still pray to them, you know :) I mean I'm pretty sure the answer is no, but I'd like to see that directly from an authority, and preferably with justification Reply

Stephen Weinstein Camarillo, CA, USA via chabadcamarillo.com February 6, 2021

in response to Aleksandr Yakubson :

They pray to the person represented by the statue/icon, not to the statue/icon. It's like when we face the ark during prayer -- we're not praying to it or even to the Torah scrolls in it. Reply

Aleksandr Yakubson Staten Island February 7, 2021

in response to Stephen Weinstein:

well did ancient idolaters pray to actual statues? they'd be crazy to do so, having made those idols themselves just prior to that Reply

Hermes Carraro January 21, 2023

in response to Aleksandr Yakubson :

some ancient people, like the various cultures of the middle east like the Babylonians and the Assirians believed that their idols were the phisical bodies of their gods.
The Babilonian god Marduk and the idol of Marduk in the temple of Babylon were seen as one and the same, so much so that when their enemies stole the idol during times of war, the babylonians were horrified as they actually saw this as if their enemies KIDNAPPED their god.
Yes, I am serious.
They actually believed that, so much so that until the statue was taken back they stopped praying in the temple and stopped performing their festivals.

During the new year celebrations the idols of the various gods were brought in the temple of Marduk, they believed that the gods were there with them and were celebrating alongside their worshippers.

So, yeah, the neighbours of the Hebrews legit thought that the idols were the gods themselves, unlike what other pagans of the time, like the Egyptians, Hittites, Greeks etc thought. Reply

Mark Myron Dobson SATELLITE BCH February 4, 2021

Surface-level interpretations of "idols" as if the Torah is only talking about actual statues will result in the silliest of discussions, such as whether we should smash them with a hammer. The idols are real, and if you are still walking this earth you are probably still worshipping them to some degree. Celebrities, political figures, businesses, money, comfort, and ideas like capitalism and communism, can all be good or bad, depending whether they serve us or we worship them. Reply

William Kafig University City, MO February 4, 2021

Well, this question is going to be a bit out of the norm...
What about those of us in robotics and AI? Are we halachically prohibited from making androids (lit. having the form of a man), what about prosthetics? Reply

Jay E. Simkin Nashua, NH, USA February 4, 2021

in response to William Kafig:

As to prosthetics, I answer in the negative because prosthetics put right congenital or accidental damage. By restoring a person's capacity to walk, etc., one restores or enhances that person's capacity to do good, which intent should be presumed. There may be a question about building a prosthetic for a known evil-doer. But there can be no question that building a prosthetic for others is not only permissible but praiseworthy. Reply

Rose Mercer Island February 4, 2021

in response to William Kafig:

Great questions! I’d love to hear a response. Reply

William Kafig University City, MO February 7, 2021

in response to Jay E. Simkin:

Thank you for your response!
Considering that prosthetics (the very advanced kinds) can be the basis of an android (a robot having the form of a human), what can be said about the creation or endeavours in this direction - that is, is building an android forbidden? Reply

Jay E. Simkin Nashua, NH, USA February 8, 2021

in response to William Kafig:

Androids - even ones that looks quite human - are still machines. Jews have long owned plows, weapons, etc., but never worshiped these things or offered sacrifices to them.

Idolatry is the attributing to a man-made (or natural) object powers it does not have and cannot have.

Thus, it is one thing to joke with someone about trying to cure a computer glitch by "sacrificing" a small critter atop the machine. That is humor. Actually offering such a "sacrifice" - beside being cruel and pointless - would be idolatry. Reply

Judith New York February 4, 2021

Perhaps the person asking the question wants to know what to do if the statutes are offensive , without being idols . Many of the statues are of people with a sinful history . Reply

Jay E. Simkin Nashua, NH, USA February 4, 2021

in response to Judith :

A statue that is a likeness of an actual person is no more than that. It is not meant to be worshipped or venerated. That some Christians bow down before paintings of saints, etc., does not change this.

Such a painting may be a work of great skill. But such a painting has no power over anyone or anything. To burn such a painting - even if one owns it - suggests the painting has power, so must be destroyed. A painting (or a sculpture) can have no such power. Reply

Betzalel Jerusalem Israel March 2, 2021

in response to Jay E. Simkin:

“A statue that is the likeness of an actual person is no more than that” but that’s the whole point, even animals, is a direct violation of the 1st and 2nd Mitzvot(Commandments) of the Torah, and a direct violation of the 1st Commandment of the 7 Noachide Laws G-D gave to all the gentiles of the World. We know statues have no power, but G-D personally Commanded all the peoples of the World against “avodah zarah”(idols/idol worship). The Nation of Israel was Commanded by G-D to destroy anything and everything “avodah zarah” but only inside the Land of Israel. The Jewish People have no obligation to destroy idols/statues or the likeness of false gods outside the land of Israel. Reply

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Non-Idolatrous Images

Destroying Idols

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