Responsum: On Painting Synagogue Walls

Samuel Archevolti

Late 16th or Early 17th Century

In answer to those who ask me whether or not it is permitted to paint the walls of the synagogue with pictures of grass, trees, and calyxes, we researched the question and our answer is as follows:

At first glance, it would seem that it is permitted because Maimonides wrote . . . “One may form images of animals and other living creatures, except…

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Creator Bio

Samuel Archevolti

ca. 1530–1611

Samuel ben Elḥanan Archevolti was born in Cesena, Italy, and by 1563 was living in Bologna. Between 1565 and 1602 he visited Venice, where he worked correcting proofs at a printing house. In 1568, he settled in Padua, where he became community secretary, head of the yeshiva, and head of the rabbinic court. Archevolti composed ethical and educational treatises, but his major work, Arugat ha-bosem (Bed of Spices), is on grammar, written when he was living in Padua. He also wrote both secular and liturgical poetry. Some of his piyyutim (liturgical poems) were included in Italian Jewish prayer books.

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Responsum: On Painting Synagogue Walls

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Responsum: On Painting Synagogue Walls

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