A Human Figure for Decoration
Question
And is there a solution, such as omitting a part?
Answer
Shalom u’verachah
It is forbidden to make such a figure, and even if a non-Jew has already made such a figure for a Jew, he should not keep it in his possession.
If one omits part of the features of the head, it is permitted. [Regarding omitting another limb from the body, there is a dispute as to whether that is effective].
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah, siman 141, se’if 4
It is forbidden to draw forms that are in the abode of the Shechinah, such as the four faces together, and likewise forms of seraphim, ofanim, and ministering angels. Likewise, a human form by itself—all of these are forbidden to make, even for decorative purposes. And if a non-Jew made them for him, it is forbidden to keep them.
See there, se’if 7, regarding the matter of the form of a head alone, whether it is prohibited.
