The Torah disqualifies stones that have been cut with iron from use for the mizbeiach [altar for offerings to Gd]; according to Sefer haChinuch, this is the fortieth mitzvah in the Torah. There is some
debate as to whether we may use stones that were cut before their dedication,
but certainly we may not use iron tools to shape the stones once they have been
dedicated. (See Tosafot Succah 49a and Minchat Chinuch 40:2.)
Sefer haChinuch explains that iron symbolizes
the spilling of blood, as well as general destruction; it is inappropriate to
build an altar, the locus of atonement and the site at which blessings and
peace are generated, with a destructive tool.
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Notice that there are three prohibitions in this paragraph about making an altar (Shemos 20:18-22: not accompanying it with an idol, not using metal (because metal is used in war), and not having steps (because that would reveal ankles -- "lo sigaleh ervaskha").
ReplyDeleteAnd so, in the first mitzvah in the Torah after the revelation at Sinai, we have mention of all three aveiros that are yeihareig ve'al ya'avor.
Interesting R' Micha; thanks!
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