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The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Avodah Zarah

What’s So Terrible About Avodah Zarah?

by Rabbi Menachem Leibtag
Posted on September 21, 2022

On The Mitzvot of Non-Jews: An Analysis of Avodah Zarah 2B-3A

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on July 5, 2016

Non-Jews are commanded to observe the seven Noahide laws. A logical corollary of this is that they are to be rewarded for their performance of these mitzvot, and held liable for transgressing them. This assumption, however, is brought into question by the sugyah around the statement of Rav Yosef in Avodah Zara 2B-3A (paralleled in Bava Kama 35a)… This article was originally published in the Milin Havivin, Vol 1.…

Mesekhet Avoda Zara and Jewish Identity

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on October 29, 2010

The last dapim of mesekhet Avoda Zara which address central issues in Kashrut and end with a discussion of kashering and toveling vessels.  This is a somewhat unusual way to end a mesekhet that is devoted to discussing the world of idolatry and its dangers. …

Understanding Kedusha Through Hilkhot Chanukah

by Rabbi Dov Linzer
Posted on December 18, 2009

When studying Chanukah, we often study the classic sugyot from Mesekhet Shabbat (21b-23a). However, a more obscure sugya – “The violators (pritzim) came and profaned it” in Avoda Zara, 52B – provides important insights as well. Based on this verse from Ezekiel 7:22, the Gemara states that when the Beit HaMikdash was violated in the time of the Hasmoneans, the altar lost its sanctity and, when the Hasmoneans were victorious, they needed to dismantle and bury the now desacralized altar.…