Q&A: Forbidden… is it really actually forbidden?
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Forbidden… is it really actually forbidden?
Question
It is forbidden to look at the face of a wicked person.
Is that really an actual prohibition?
Even in a picture?
For security purposes it is important, but there may be non-Jews in the unit who can do the job perfectly well—would it be preferable to give it to a non-Jewish soldier?
Answer
Simply speaking, this is not a halakhic prohibition but rather a recommendation. Beyond that, it is clear that looking when there is a practical need is not problematic.