Sifrei on Deuteronomy Sifrei Devarim 61

1

English · Shraga Silverstein

(Devarim 12:3) "And you shall raze their altars": This is an altar that was built originally for idolatry.

2

English · Shraga Silverstein

"and you shall break their monuments": This is a monument which was hewn originally for idolatry.

3

English · Shraga Silverstein

"and their asheiroth shall you burn in fire": This is an asheirah that was planted originally for idolatry.

4

English · Shraga Silverstein

"and the cuttings of their gods shall you cut off": That which was (already) planted, and was then cut and trimmed for idolatry.

5

English · Shraga Silverstein

"and you shall cause their name to go lost": that under which idolatry was placed. From here it was ruled: There are three kinds of asheiroth: A tree that was planted from the beginning for idolatry is forbidden (for benefit), it being written "and their asheiroth shall you burn in fire." If he cut and trimmed it and it grew (new growths), he removes the new growths, it being written "and the cuttings of their gods shall you cut down." If he placed idolatry under it and removed it (the idolatry), then it (the tree) is permitted, it being written "and you shall cause their name (but not the tree itself) to go lost from that place."

6

English · Shraga Silverstein

There are three kinds of houses (in this regard): A house that was built from the beginning for idolatry is forbidden, it being written "And you shall raze." If he plastered and decorated it for idolatry, thereby adding to it, he removes the additions, it being written "shall you cut down." If he placed (idolatry) in it and then removed it, then it (the house) is permitted, it being written "and you shall cause their name (but not the house itself) to go lost from that place. Variantly: "And you shall raze their altars": Once you have razed the altar, leave it. "and you shall break their monuments": Once you have broken it, leave it. ("and you shall cause their name to go lost) from that place." In Eretz Yisrael you must pursue it (its complete destruction), and not outside of Eretz Yisrael.

7

English · Shraga Silverstein

R. Eliezer says; Whence is it derived that if one cuts down an asheirah he must root it out? From "and you shall cause their name to go lost from that place." R. Akiva said: This is not needed, it already being written "Destroy shall you destroy." What, then, is the intent of "and you shall cause their name to go lost"? That you shall change their name (to a demeaning one). I might think, to a laudatory one; it is, therefore, written (Devarim 7:26) "Despise shall you despise it."

8

English · Shraga Silverstein

Whence is it derived that if one knocks down one stone from the sanctuary or from the altar or from the azaroth (the Temple courts) he is in transgression of a negative commandment? From "And you shall raze their altars … (4) "You shall not do thus to the L-rd your G-d." R. Yishmael says: Whence is it derived that if one erases one letter of the Name, he is in transgression of a negative commandment? From "and you shall cause their name to go lost. You shall not do thus to the L-rd your G-d." R. Gamliel says: Would it enter your mind, G-d forbid, that Israel would raze their own altars (that they have to be exhorted against it)? Rather, (the intent of the verse is) that you not do as they do and your sins and evil acts lead to the destruction of the Temple of our fathers.

Sifrei Devarim 61

Find your chapter.

Make yourself comfortable.

Choose your edition.