עברית
Faith
Can a Baby Look at a Mirror?
Question
Hello esteemed Rabbi, I saw that you wrote it is forbidden to place a baby in front of a mirror. I would like to know why this is, and whether it is permitted to show a baby pictures and videos of themselves. Thank you very much and l'chaim.
Answer
Dear sir, There is no prohibition in this matter; rather, there are some communities accustomed to being stringent by not allowing a baby to look at a mirror until they begin to speak and their teeth start to come in. This practice is based on the notion that looking into a mirror may cause delayed teething and speech development, as mentioned in Shut Be'er Moshe, Part 8 (Section 36), and also discussed in Sefer Segulot Rabbeinu (page 374). The precise reason why looking into a mirror might cause this is unknown. In any case, it is permissible to show a baby pictures and videos of themselves without concern.
Blessings, Hillel Meirs
