Prayer Before a Leaflet with a Rabbi's Picture
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Question
Is it permissible to pray when there is a leaflet distributed on Shabbat in front of me, with a rabbi's picture on the front page?
Answer
It is forbidden to pray in front of the leaflet for two reasons: 1. It appears as if bowing to the rabbi. 2. It distracts one's intention.
Source
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 90, S"K 70, and these are his words: "Similarly, one should be cautious for this reason not to draw on the synagogue wall images opposite a person's face, but only above the height of a person. It is forbidden to pray opposite a mirror, as it appears as if bowing to one's reflection, and this applies even with closed eyes, as with open eyes it is forbidden due to distraction of intention. It seems obvious that the same applies to an image that distracts one's intention and appears as if bowing, and all the more so when one's rabbi is depicted, for the main prohibition of appearing as if bowing is stated regarding not praying behind one's rabbi.
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 90, S"K 70, and these are his words: "Similarly, one should be cautious for this reason not to draw on the synagogue wall images opposite a person's face, but only above the height of a person. It is forbidden to pray opposite a mirror, as it appears as if bowing to one's reflection, and this applies even with closed eyes, as with open eyes it is forbidden due to distraction of intention. It seems obvious that the same applies to an image that distracts one's intention and appears as if bowing, and all the more so when one's rabbi is depicted, for the main prohibition of appearing as if bowing is stated regarding not praying behind one's rabbi.