For the source text click/tap here: Avodah Zarah 48
To download, click/tap here: PDF
The Mishnayot on today’s daf focus on the ashera and attempt to define what such a tree is. According to the Mishna, there are three types of ashera –
A tree planted specifically for avoda zara
A tree that was sculpted or pruned in the name of avoda zara
A tree where an idol was placed underneath it.
In the first case, there is nothing that can be done. Such a tree is an ashera and must be destroyed. In the second case, although the tree that is formed is forbidden, if the tree continues growing, what grows anew is not considered to be avoda zara and is permitted. In the final case, according to the tanna of the Mishna, if the idol was removed, the tree is permitted.
We explore the notion of sacred contamination, how the shade under the tree might be sufficient to convey tumor as well as how COVID epidemic evoked the apocalypse.