Which Sun, Moon, and Stars Are Forbidden to Draw and Photograph

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Question

Hello, I heard that it is forbidden to draw and photograph the sun, moon, and stars. Is it forbidden in all forms, or are there forms that are allowed to be photographed?

Answer

Hello,

Sun, half sun - permitted. Circle without rays - permitted. Circle with rays - forbidden. Circle with rays when there is no color inside [black, white] or colors that are not red and yellow - white, if it is not colored in a way that resembles the sun, there is no prohibition.

Moon, if it is recognizable by itself as the moon, it is forbidden. However, if it is not recognizable by itself as the moon and requires additional explanation, it is permitted to draw it, therefore if one draws a black and white circle - it is permitted, as it is not recognizable. Half moon - forbidden.

Stars, circle alone without rays - permitted. Circle with five rays - forbidden.

And it should be known that although it is forbidden to draw and photograph all of the above, nevertheless, one should not protest against those who are lenient in this matter.

Source

Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 141, Se'if 4, see there in detail in Taz and Shach and Nekudot HaKesef. Responsa of Maharam Alshich, Siman 77. Darkei Teshuva, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 141, Se'if Katan 151 and 138. Minchat Chinuch, Mitzvah 39. Rambam in his commentary on the Mishnah, Tractate Avodah Zarah, Chapter 3, ד"ה המוצא כלים (and in Rema there Se'if 3). See also Responsa of Maritz, Yoreh De'ah, Siman 83.

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