Why are there no pictures of God in synagogues or in Jewish homes?

Answer 1

The Jewish concept of G-d is an intangible Being with no physical form. Therefore there is no way to draw or sculpt an image of Him. Physical images and idols are very strongly prohibited in Judaism.

Answer 2

To Christians - Catholics and Protestants - Jesus is believed to be the Christ - the Son of God and the Savior of Mankind. Although Jews acknowledge that Jesus existed, as a historical figure, they do not believe he was the Messiah sent from God. Synagogues - temples - are where Jews worship, so there would be no images of Jesus of Nazareth in them, as he plays no part in the Jewish faith.

Answer 3

The prohibition against images is a stringent one (Exodus ch.20), and is very basic to the monotheistic nature of Judaism. In the home, nearly all Orthodox Jews permit the presence of pictures, because it's clear that the pictures aren't there to be worshiped. But in the synagogue, where worship takes place, a picture might seem to be there in order to be idolized, so we avoid putting pictures of people there.

Other types of customary religious depictions, such as a photo of Rachel's tomb or the Western Wall (etc.), may be placed on a wall which is not in the direction towards which the congregants pray.

Answer 4

Art work in the sanctuary of a synagogue never includes human or animal likenesses, in order to avoid
any appearance or impression that any prayers are directed toward any person or animal, past or present.

For example, no part of any prayers are ever directed to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Isaiah, etc.,
or to any rabbi, living or dead.