Reference for Avodah Zarah 103:14

ואידך ההוא מיבעי ליה לכדר"ל דאמר ר"ל כל המעמיד דיין שאינו הגון כאילו נוטע אשרה בישראל שנאמר (דברים טז, יח) שופטים ושוטרים תתן לך בכל שעריך וסמיך ליה לא תטע לך אשרה כל עץ

And what does the other [i.e., R. Ishmael, make of this verse]? He requires it in accordance with the teaching of R. Shimon b. Lakish, for R. Shimon b. Lakish said: Whoever appoints an unworthy judge is as though he plants an asherah in Israel, as it is stated, “Judges and officers you shall establish for yourselves in all your gates,” and near to this [is stated], “You shall not plant for yourself an asherah of any kind of tree” (Deuteronomy 16:18)

Explore reference for Avodah Zarah 103:14. In-depth commentary and analysis from classical Jewish sources.