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Q&A May Jews bow as a courtesy?

We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaa...

posted 4y ago by robev‭  ·  edited 4y ago by robev‭

Answer
#7: Post edited by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T19:45:52Z (about 4 years ago)
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Sanhedrin 61b**](https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.61b.20?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that that boy in the story didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Sanhedrin 61b**](https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.61b.20?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that that boy in the story didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
  • Although, just to clarify, and I'm not sure if this was included in your question, but there is a Biblical prohibition against bowing fully prostrated on a stone surface ([**Leviticus** 26:1](https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.26.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Sefer HaMitzvos** *Lo Sa'aseh* § 12](https://thetaryag.com/rambam/260)). Rabbinically, it is prohibited to do so on *any* surface (see [**Rema** *Orach Chaim* 131:8 and **Taz** *ad. loc.*](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.131.8?vhe=Maginei_Eretz:_Shulchan_Aruch_Orach_Chaim,_Lemberg,_1893&lang=bi&p2=Turei_Zahav_on_Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.131.14&lang2=bi)). So whether or not there's an idol around, a person wouldn't be allowed to do such a bowing gesture, even out of respect. However, I would think it would be socially awkward to do such a thing to another, even in Japan, even during a pandemic.
#6: Post edited by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T19:37:53Z (about 4 years ago)
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Sanhedrin 61b**](https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.61b.20?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Sanhedrin 61b**](https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.61b.20?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that that boy in the story didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
#5: Post edited by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T16:53:07Z (about 4 years ago)
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Sanhedrin 61b**](https://www.sefaria.org/Sanhedrin.61b.20?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
#4: Post edited by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T16:51:08Z (about 4 years ago)
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)). In fact, the article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*.
  • So bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)).
  • In fact, the Aish article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*. Furthermore, the article you linked to about Mordechai brings the same arguments I did, so I'm not sure what's the question. Therefore, bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
#3: Post edited by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T16:37:09Z (about 4 years ago)
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)). In fact, the article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*.
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)). In fact, the article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*.
  • So bowing out of respect shouldn't be problematic.
#2: Post edited by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T16:36:36Z (about 4 years ago)
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which indeed is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)). In fact, the article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*.
  • We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).
  • Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which definitely is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)). In fact, the article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*.
#1: Initial revision by user avatar robev‭ · 2020-09-08T16:35:44Z (about 4 years ago) 
We can't learn from Mordechai not bowing to Haman, as that was a special case. Our Sages were bothered that it is permissible to bow to a human, so why didn't Mordechai bow? Indeed, we see that Yaakov bowed to his brother Eisav ([**Genesis** 33:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.33.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). Yosef's brothers bowed to him ([*ibid* 42:6](https://www.sefaria.org/Genesis.42.6?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)). There are also *halachic* sources which permit bowing to a human when there's no concern for literal idol worship ([**Shulchan Aruch** *Orach Chaim* 89:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.89.2?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Rema** *Yoreh Deah* 150:3](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Yoreh_De'ah.150.3?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en)).

Therefore, the Sages understood that Haman had an idol attached to his clothing ([**Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer** Chapter 50](https://www.sefaria.org/Pirkei_DeRabbi_Eliezer.50.5?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en); [**Esther Rabbah** 6:2](https://www.sefaria.org/Esther_Rabbah.6.2?lang=bi)). Mordechai didn't want to bow to such an idol, which indeed is forbidden. Had it not been for this idol, it would have been permissible to bow to him ([**Yalkut Meam Loez** to **Esther** 3:2](https://tablet.otzar.org/en/book/book.php?book=105676&pagenum=117)). In fact, the article you linked to says that he didn't want to bow *to an idol*.