Commentary for Avodah Zarah 102:9
<big><strong>מתני׳</strong></big> מצא בראשו מעות כסות או כלים הרי אלו מותרין פרכילי ענבים ועטרות של שבלים ויינות ושמנים וסלתות וכל דבר שכיוצא בו קרב ע"ג המזבח אסור:
If he found on top [of a Mercurius] a coins or a garment or utensils behold these are permitted; [But if he found] grape-clusters, wreaths of grain, [gifts of] wine, oil or fine flour, or anything resembling what is offered upon the altar, such is prohibited.
Daf Shevui to Avodah Zarah
The first mishnah of this chapter taught that one typical way of worshipping the Mercurius idol was to lay stones next to it. In the second mishnah we see ways in which Mercurius was not worshipped. It was not worshipped by having money, clothes or other vessels laid next to it. Since this is not typical Mercurius worship, it is permitted for Jews to use these items.
However, if anything that is normally sacrificed is found next to a Mercurius, these items are forbidden to Jews. Since these items are generally used in idol worship, and evidently also in the worship of Mercurius, they are forbidden if they are found in proximity to the idol.
However, if anything that is normally sacrificed is found next to a Mercurius, these items are forbidden to Jews. Since these items are generally used in idol worship, and evidently also in the worship of Mercurius, they are forbidden if they are found in proximity to the idol.
Ask RabbiBookmarkShareCopy