Rav Zalman Leib of Satmar Asks Not to Publish Photos of Himself

During the last few years, there has been some opposition amongst a number of admorim regarding publishing their pictures, with some explicitly forbidding it, while others delivered drashos against the phenomenon.

Rav Zalman Leib of Satmar devoted a drasha last Shabbos to this matter, sharply criticizing the publication of his pictures in newspapers, making it clear that it causes him pain and asking his Chassidim to put a stop to it.

A recent letter from Rav Moshe Teitelbaum clarified Rav Zalman Leib’s stance, reiterating Rav Zalman Leib’s longtime opposition to the printing of his picture in newspapers.

Various admorim, such as the Skulener Rebbe, are known for not wanting their picture to be taken.

In November, Matzav.com published a touching story in which a chossid of the Chernobler Rebbe complained to his manhig about the difficulties he’s experiencing in making living.

The Rebbe asked the chossid what his profession is. The chossid said that he is a professional photographer, but that there is little demand for this type of work in the chareidi community.

The Rebbe, who is known, like other admorim including the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey, to shun having his picture taken, told the chossid, “Take my picture. Maybe it can help you make a living.”

The chossid explained to the Rebbe that a proper picture is taken in a studio with the appropriate lighting and background.

The Rebbe, whose every minute is so precious, joined his chossid at a studio for an hour, allowing his follower to take his picture so he can sell it and make some money.

{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com}