Translation:Shulchan Aruch/Yoreh Deah/151

Items that are specifically designated for a type of idol worship practiced in a particular place are forbidden to be sold to those who worship that idol. However, if the idolater buys in bulk in a way that makes it clear he is purchasing for resale, it is permitted. Likewise, if he says he needs them for other purposes and the Jew knows this to be true, it is permitted. Items that are not specifically designated for idol worship may be sold without specification. But if the idolater explicitly states he is buying them for idol worship, it is forbidden to sell to him—unless the items are rendered unfit for offering to idols.

Rema: It is forbidden to sell water to an idolater if it is known that he intends to use it for ritual immersion (Tav"u 57).

If items designated for idol worship are mixed with items that are not, such as pure frankincense mixed with black frankincense, one may sell the mixture without concern that the pure frankincense will be separated for idol worship.

Rema: This applies specifically to a priest of idol worship or an idolater known to burn incense for idol worship. But for a typical idolater, it is permitted. Some say the prohibition applies only when they have no alternative source or cannot buy elsewhere. But if they can buy elsewhere, it is permitted to sell them anything (Mordechai, Avodah Zarah ch. 1). Some are stringent, but the custom is to be lenient according to the first opinion, and a pious person should be stringent for himself (Ran, Tosafot, Rosh, Geonim, Shabbat ch. 1, according to the Rav).

If an idolater seeks items designated for idol worship and disguises his intent by including other items, it is forbidden to sell them to him.

It is forbidden to sell wax to an idolater on his festival day.

Rema: Because it is customary to make candles for idol worship, it is also forbidden on the day before. But on other days, it is permitted (Mordechai, Avodah Zarah ch. 1). See also the end of Siman 139.

In places where the custom is not to sell small livestock to idolaters, one must not sell. In all places, one must not sell large livestock to them or to a Jew suspected of selling to them, unless through a broker or if it is known the animal is for slaughter. Nowadays, the custom is to permit all.

One may not sell to them, nor to a Jew suspected of selling to them, nor to a Jewish bandit, anything that poses a public danger—such as bears, lions, weapons, anvils (as explained by Rashi on Avodah Zarah 15), chains, iron collars (as in Ezekiel 19:9), or iron bars. One may not sharpen weapons for them or build a courthouse for them.

If Jews live among idolaters and have a treaty with them, it is permitted to sell weapons to the king’s servants and soldiers, since they fight enemies of the state and thereby protect the Jews who live there.

In the Land of Israel, one may not sell anything attached to the ground, such as trees or standing grain, to idolaters. But one may sell on condition that the buyer will cut it down.

One may not sell houses or fields to idolaters in the Land of Israel. However, one may rent them houses but not fields. In Syria, one may sell houses and rent fields. Outside the Land of Israel, one may sell both.

One may not sell or rent to three idolaters together in a Jewish neighborhood. But to one or two, one may sell or rent anything, and we are not concerned that they will resell or sublet.

Even in places where renting is permitted, it is only for storage or similar uses, not for residence—because they bring idols into the home permanently.

Rema: Nowadays, the custom is to rent even for residence, since they no longer bring idols into their homes (Tur). One who rents a house from an idolater should be stringent not to leave the idolater’s idols there (Hagahot Ashiri, Avodah Zarah ch. 1).

It is forbidden to give a free gift to an idolater who does not know the giver.

It is permitted to support their poor, visit their sick, bury their dead, eulogize them, and comfort their mourners—for the sake of peaceful relations.

One does not prevent poor idolaters from taking gleanings, forgotten sheaves, and the corners of the field.

It is forbidden to praise them, even to say, “How beautiful is this idolater in appearance.” All the more so, one may not praise their deeds or express affection for their words. However, if one praises them in order to thank God for creating such a beautiful creature, it is permitted.