What pictures are permissible to hang?

Question

Can i hang pictures of flowers or the word "faith" on my walls?

Answer

Shalom!

Thank you for your question.

It is true that there are halachic authorities, especially in the past, who opposed displaying pictures and paintings in one's home. This also included portraits and pictures of people. This was due to the concern that such images are a violation of the ban on “graven images.” 

Nevertheless, it is only “graven” images that are truly forbidden. This means, carved, raised, and sculptures images. There is no true ban on displaying paintings, photographs and other flat images.

One can be lenient nowadays with most pictures and paintings as most such simple images are no longer worshipped. Indeed, even religions which make use of images generally do so for representational and symbolic purposes not outright idolatrous ones. There is certainly no problem with displaying family portraits, pictures of great rabbis, and other common forms of artwork.

As such, it is permitted to hang a picture with words or flowers.



Source

Tosfot Yoma 54a; YD 141:4; Chochmat Adam 85:6.

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