Things sacrificed to idols
Question
Are there any commentary’s in the Talmud that specifically deal with the issue of meat from an animal that has been sacrificed to an Idol?
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question.
There is a tremendous amount of literature on the ban on benefiting from anything that was ever associated with idolatry.
It makes no difference if it is meat, wine, or utensils of any kind. Anything that was used or associated with idolatry is forbidden. In fact, the most fundamental principle of Judaism is the rejection of idolatry and the belief and worship of the One and only G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Idolatry is a cardinal sin punishable with death. A Jew who willingly worships idols is any way is considered to have violated the entire Torah and even somewhat loses his status as a Jew.
To give you some examples of the seriousness of idol worship and how far extends:
It is forbidden to look at artwork or decorations dedicated to idolatry, it is forbidden to hear songs related to idolatry, it is forbidden to mention the names of idols or the people associated with them, and it is forbidden to look at images and symbols of idolatry.
Idolatry refers to any worship of anything or anyone besides the One and only G-d of Israel.
There is an entire tractate of the Talmud dedicated to a Jew’s conduct in an idolatrous society and personal interaction with idolaters. The tractate is “Avoda Zara.”
Allow me to conclude by making it clear that the ban on idolatry applies to all mankind, not just Jews. Although no non-Jew is asked or encouraged to convert to Judaism, every human being must believe in the G-d of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and reject all idolatry.
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