1)

What is the difference between a Mizbe'ach and a Matzeivah?

1.

Rashi and Ramban: Refer to Bereishis, 28:18:2:1. 1

1

Rashi: "Matzeivah" is synonymous with 'Bimus' discussed in the Mishnah in Avodah-Zarah, 47b.

2)

What is the difference between "Venitatztem", "Veshibartem" and "Tegade'un"?

1.

Targum Yonasan: "Venitatztem" means 'You shall dismantle', "Veshibartem", 'you shall break' and "Tegade'un", 'you shall cut down'.

3)

Why does the Torah mention 'dismantling' with regard to the Mizb'chos, 'breaking', with regard to the Matzevos and 'cuting down' with regard to the images?

1.

Yerushalmi Avodah Zarah, 1;4: In fact, any of the three methods of destruction will apply to all three forms of Avodah Zarah. 1

1

See Torah Temimah, note 13.

4)

Why is the Torah satisfied with destrotying the Avodah Zarah, when in fact, Avodah Zarah needs to be burned?

1.

Avodah Zarah, 45b: Because the Torah is discussing what needs to be done before conquering Eretz Yisrael. Once the land has been conquered, the Avodah Zarah must be burned. 1

1

From the fact that, in the same Pasuk, the Torah requires Asheiros to be burned, we can extrapolate that the obligation to burn the Asheiros must be burned immediately, even before the land has been conquered. See Torah Temimah, note 12.

5)

What is an "Asheirah"?

1.

Rashi: A tree that has been worshipped.

6)

How will we reconcile this Pasuk - requiring an Asheirah to be burned - with the Halachah that what is attached to the grond cannot become Asur?

1.

Avodah Zarah 45b: The Pasuk is referring to an Asheirah that was planted specifically for idolatry - a tree that was worshipped only after it grew remains Mutar be'Hana'ah. 1

1

See Torah Teimah, note 14..

7)

Bearing in mind that Eretz Yisrael belonged to Yisrael and that one cannot render Asur what belongs to somebody else, why was whatever the Cana'anim worshipped Asur be'Hana'ah?

1.

Avodah Zarah, 53b: Because once Yisrael worshipped the Golden Calf, they demonstrated that they were pleased with Avodah Zarah. Consequently, when the Cana'anim worshipped Avodah Zarah, they were performong the Shelichus of Yisrael. 1 ,

1

See Torah Temimah, note 15.

8)

How is it possible to destroy the names of the Avodah Zarah?

1.

Rashi: By referring to them in a derogatory manner - by calling 'Beis Galya' (a tall house) 'Beis Karya' (a hovel) and 'Ein Kol' (an eye that sees everything) 'Ein Kotz' (the eye of a thorn). 1

1

See Torah Temimah, note 16 and Oznayim la'Torah, who elaborate.

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