[Avodah] Picture of Bin Ladin - a thought

[Danny Schoemann]

From: R' Aryeh Herzig <guraryeh at gmail.com> on Areivim
> One should not be "mistakel" on the face of a Rasha.

Bavli Megila 24a; to emulate Hashem who does not want to see them.
Shabbos 104a; it's not good for your eyesight.

> Likewise, one should not be "mistakel" on the moon

After looking at it before making Kiddish Levono Oruch Hashulchan Orach
Chaim 426:5 says "al pi Kabolo"
Mishna Brura 426:2:(13) discusses whether this applies after Kiddish
Levono or even during Kiddish Levono (as per the Sefer Chareidim).
Memory: So as not to embarrass it that it's so small that we can gaze
at it. Note: There does not seem to be a source in Bavli for not looking
at the moon.

> or a rainbow.

Chagiga 16a: As it resembles the Glory of Hashem
It also says there that you shouldn't stare:
- at the Cohanim during Birkat Cohanim; as the Shechina rests on their
  fingers (Rashi).
- at the Nasi since it says (Bemidbar 27:20) that he is bestowed with
  Hashem's glory.

> And, Likewise, a man should not be "mistakel" on a strange woman.

Bavli Brachot 61a

> What about a photograph?
> Of a woman is prohibited because of impure thoughts.
> What about the moon or a rainbow?

Moon: Picture wouldn't embarrass it
Rainbow: If a picture could capture the full glory, then maybe...
Nasi and Cohanim: Picture doesn't have the Shechina.

> The face of the Rasha, is it like the former or the latter?

If it's to emulate Hashem not wanting to "acknowledge" them, then a
picture should be forbidden too. But, is that the reason?

- Danny, with the help of Toras Emes http://www.toratemetfreeware.com/