עברית
Halachot and Customs
Regarding Visiting the Bahá'í Gardens
Question
Is it permissible to visit the Bahá'í gardens to see the flowers, or is there a sign of idolatry present there? Thank you.
Answer
Greetings,
According to Jewish law, it is permitted to enter the Bahá'í gardens. Nonetheless, it is not proper for a Torah-observant Jew to enter places belonging to another faith.
Sources: Sefer Vayomer Shmuel (Section 86) in the name of Rabbi Yitzchak Shlomo Alishev zt"l. See also Responsa Migdal Tzofim Part 2 (Section 30) and Part 3 (Section 35) which also indicate that it is permissible to stroll in the Bahá'í garden in Haifa, and there is no concern regarding deriving benefit from idolatry. Additionally, see Responsa Ma'aseh Efod Part 1 (Section 99).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
