Bowing Toward Inanimate Objects

Question

If you are bowing during Amidah, and there is an inanimate object of some type in front of you in the path of your bowing, what makes it so you are bowing to G-d and not the inanimate object?

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Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    If the inanimate object is not an object of Avodah Zarah, and the person bowing towards it has no intention except to bow to Hashem, then there is no problem with doing so. In truth, we are always bowing towards some inanimate objects when we praying, whether we are inside or outside.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team

  2. colorknit
    March 6, 2023 at 4:58 pm

    Historically, idols that have been worshipped have been made of the exact same materials as common objects we see around, just molded into a different shape. For example, many idols have been made of wood. And many chairs are made of wood. In the synagogue, you are most likely standing in front of another chair, which could be made of wood.

    Many idols have been made of carved stone. So are the walls of the synagogue building, which are often made with decorative designs.

  3. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team
    March 8, 2023 at 6:12 pm

    Yes, absolutely. However, one of the Halachic definitions of an idol is that it was made for idol worship. Without such a stipulation, as you write, every piece of wood (or the like) would fall under the definition of an idol.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team