Translation:Shulchan Aruch/Yoreh Deah/142

Contains fifteen Seif.

Just as idols are prohibited for enjoyment, so too are all benefits derived from them prohibited. Even if they are burned, it is forbidden to enjoy their embers and ashes, but it is permitted to enjoy their flame.

A knife used by idolaters for slaughtering is permitted because it is considered to be damaged. (Whether the knife is new or old, and even if it has become impure, it is permitted to use it.) If the animal was dangerous, it is prohibited because it is considered a repair, and this is a repair from the enjoyment of the implements of idolaters. It is also prohibited to cut meat with it because it is a repair, but if it was cut in a manner of loss and destruction, it is permitted.

If one took a spindle (a piece of wood or bone with a sharp end used for separating threads when weaving) from it and wove a garment with it, it is prohibited for enjoyment. If it became mixed with other garments, he should take the value of that garment to the Dead Sea, and all other garments are permitted.

If one took wood from it, it is prohibited for enjoyment. If he heated the oven with it, whether it is new or old, he should remove it and then heat it with permitted wood. If he did not remove it and baked bread in it (while the flame was against it), it is prohibited for enjoyment, as there is a benefit from the prohibited wood in the bread. If it became mixed with others, he should take the value of that bread to the Dead Sea, and all other loaves are permitted.

If he removed all the fire and then cooked or baked in the heat of the oven, it is permitted since the prohibited wood has gone away.

Rema: The statement that there is a benefit from the wood in the bread refers to something that is prohibited for enjoyment, but if he baked or cooked next to something that is prohibited to eat, even if the flame is against it, it is permitted.

Bowls, cups, pots, and small jars made by a potter from the wood of idols are prohibited for enjoyment, as they are made from something prohibited for enjoyment.

Bread baked on the embers of idol wood is permitted since once they become embers, their prohibition is gone, even if they are still burning.

A pot that was cooked with idol wood and permitted wood, the dish is prohibited, even though both contributed to the cooking. Since at the time of cooking, the permitted wood had not yet come, part of the cooking was done with permitted wood and part with prohibited wood.

Chicks that hatched from an idol's nest and do not need to be trained are permitted, but the eggs on it and chicks that need to be trained are prohibited. The nest itself is permitted because the bird brings its wood from another place.

Rema: One should not climb onto the idol to take them but should knock them down with a stick so that they fall.

An idol, whether it was worshipped or whether idols were placed beneath it, is prohibited to sit in its shade. If there is a shorter alternative path, it is prohibited to pass under it, but if not, one may pass under it while running. (This is specifically to pass under it, but passing in its shade in any case is permitted.)

The shadow of an idol's house within four cubits of its entrance is prohibited, but the shadow beyond that is permitted. Even its interior is permitted if it is a public path that preceded it, and then a house of idols was built there; it is permitted to pass through there. However, if the house preceded the path, it is prohibited, and some prohibit in all cases.

It is permitted to plant vegetables under the idol, whether in the summer when they need shade or in the rainy season, because the shade of the idol, which is prohibited, along with the ground, which is not prohibited, causes these vegetables to grow. Whenever something prohibited and something permitted cause growth together, it is permitted in all places. Therefore, a field that was fertilized with idol manure is permitted to be sown, and a cow that suckled from idol herbs may eat, and so on.

A tree whose fruits are guarded to make wine to drink on their festival is prohibited, as it is known to be an idol.

Trees that do not bear fruit (meaning trees that do not produce fruit) that are regularly planted in front of idols do not differ from the designation of idols and are prohibited.

A bathhouse that contains idols is permitted for bathing because it is made for decoration and not for worship, as it is said, "Their gods" when they are treated with reverence, and not when they are being disgraced, such as one that stands over a latrine and everyone urinates in front of it. If it was used for worship in that manner, it is prohibited.

It is prohibited to listen to the musical instruments of idolaters or to look at the structure of idols because one enjoys the sight. (However, something that is not intended is permitted.)

Rema: This is found in a gloss attributed to Rabbi Isaiah the last, and see section 34.