Our perashah (Yitro) has in it the Ten Commandments. One of the laws is that it is forbidden to make a pesel, which is a graven image of idolatry, and also any “temunah,” which is a picture of that which is in the heavens above, etc. Let’s hear a great story about taking a picture.
When Rav Ovadiah Yosef zt”l was living in Cairo, Egypt, as the head of the Bet Din, one night the Rabbi and his Rebbetzin had to leave their home to take care of a certain situation. As they were walking in the streets of Cairo, some young bullies started following them. Soon they started cursing the Rabbi, “Here is the Jewish Zionist!” with looks of hate in their eyes. Slowly, the menacing crowd grew. Now the situation became very dangerous.
As they were walking, they passed a fancy photo shop. The Rabbi quickly told his Rebbetzin, “Let’s go into this shop.” It was a fancy boutique built in beautiful European style. The bullies wouldn’t come into this store, so they waited outside.
The owner approached the Rabbi and his Rebbetzin and said, “May I help you?” The Rabbi answered, “Yes, we want to be photographed.”
“Ok, please stand here,” as he positioned them while adjusting his camera. The Rebbetzin said, “One minute,” while she adjusted her shoes, the whole time looking to see if the crowd disappeared. “Or maybe we should take the picture sitting down,” trying to stall for time.
Finally, the crowd got impatient and left. The photographer lost patience. “Are you ready now?”
“Yes,” responded the Rebbetzin, to the photographer who was unaware that he just saved their lives. The photographer took the shot and the Rav took out his wallet and paid. They hurried out of the shop and got home, the whole-time thanking Hashem for saving them. Shabbat Shalom.
Reprinted from the Parashat Yitro 5785 edition of the Jersey Shore Torah Bulletin.