Mesorat%20hashas for Avodah Zarah 95:8

דרבי יוסי בר יהודה סבר עיקרו נמי אסור דכתיב (דברים יב, ג) ואשריהם תשרפון באש ורבנן סברי עיקר אילן שרי דכתיב (דברים ז, ה) ואשירהם תגדעון איזהו אילן שגידועו אסור ועיקרו שרי הוי אומר אילן שנטעו ולבסוף עבדו

For R. Yose b. Judah holds that the trunk [of a tree which has been worshipped] is likewise prohibited since it is stated, “And burn their asherim with fire,” (Deuteronomy 12:3) and the rabbis hold that the trunk of the tree is permitted since it is stated, “And hew down their asherim” (Deuteronomy 7:5): Which tree has its hewn part prohibited while the trunk is permitted? I would answer you that is a tree which had been planted and was subsequently worshipped!

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