Jewish Art

Still, are the other attendants permitted, seeing that it has been taught: ‘"Ye shall not make with me": ye shall not make the likeness of My attendants who serve before Me on high, such as Ofanim and Seraphim and holy Hayyoth and ministering angels’? — Abaye replied: The Torah forbade only the attendants in the upper sphere.[In the seventh heaven] But are those in the lower sphere [the second heaven, that of the sun and moon] permitted? Has it not been taught: ‘Which are in the heaven: this brings under the rule the sun, the moon, the stars and constellations; "above": this brings under the rule the ministering angels?’ — That statement refers to the prohibition of [making a likeness] for serving them.

If for serving, then the tiniest worm should also [be prohibited]? — Yes, that is so, as it has been taught: Which are in the earth: this brings under the rule mountains, hills, seas, rivers, streams and valleys. Beneath: this brings under the rule the tiniest worm.

(10) It is forbidden to create images for decoration, even if they are not for idolatrous purposes. As it states, "You shall not make with me [Gods of silver and gold -- do not make them for yourselves] (Exodus 20:20)". That is to say, not even gold and silver images which are for decoration, in order not to let people come to the mistaken impression that they are for idolatry. The prohibition of decorative images is specifically regarding the human form. Therefore, wood, plaster, or stone cannot be shaped into the human form. This is when the form is in relief, for example the type of reliefs or imagery employed on basins in palaces, etc. One who creates such an image receives lashes. However if the image was a sunken form, or a painted image such as those placed on panels, or an image created from weaving threads, it is permitted.

It is forbidden to create forms of things connected to the divine, such as the four faces altogether. And so to the images of the seraphs, and the ministering angels, and of man alone. All of these are forbidden to make for decorative purposes. And if a non-Jew made them it is forbidden to display them.

Ramo: At any rate, if one finds them, they are permitted aside from the sun and moon for it is normal for idolaters to worship them or that there is proof it was made to be worshiped, in which case all forms are forbidden as we explained in the beginning of the chapter.

When was this said? With items which are raised. But if it's engraved, such as embroidery or painted on a wall with signs, it is permitted to make. And the image of the sun, moon, and stars are forbidden whether they are raised or engraved. And if they are for educational purposes, it is all permitted, even if it is raised (and some permit for public use where there is no suspicion).

We are allowed to benefit from images which gentiles made for aesthetic purposes. It is forbidden, however, to benefit from images that are made for the purpose of idol worship.

What is implied? It is forbidden to benefit from any images found in villages, for one may assume that they were made for the sake of idol worship. When images are found in a city, they are forbidden only when they are found at the entrance to the city and hold a staff, bird, globe, sword, crown, or ring in their hands. Otherwise, we may assume that they were made for aesthetic purposes, and benefit from them is permitted.

(30) And Moses said unto the children of Israel: ‘See, Adonai has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. (31) And He has filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.

Rabbi Shmuel bar Nachmani said in the name of Rabbi Yonetan: Betzalel was called because of his wisdom. In the moment that the Holy One Blessed be God said to Moses: Say to Betzalel: make for me a Mishkan, an ark, and vessels. Moses went and switched the order, and he said to him (Betzalel): make an ark, vessels, and a Mishkan. [Betzalel] said to him, our teacher, it is the custom of everyone that one builds a house, and afterwards places inside vessels, and you are saying, make for me an ark, vessels, and a Mishkan. Where do I place the vessels that I am making? Perhaps the Holy One blessed be God said to you: Make a Mishkan, an ark, and vessels? [Moses] responded: Perhaps you were in the shadow of God and you knew?!

Rav Yehuda said: Rav Said: Betzalel knew how to combine the letters that were used to create the Heavens and the Earth. It was written here (Ex. 35:31), “And He filled him with the spirit of God with Wisdom, Understanding, and Intellect.” And it was written there (Proverbs 3:19), “Adonai founded the land with Wisdom and established the Heavens with Understanding.” And it is written (Proverbs 3:20), “with his intellect, the depths were broken.”