52

Not to plant a tree in the Temple courtyard

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ

Do not plant trees or greenery in the Temple courtyard.

This mitzvah forbids planting any tree, even one not associated with idolatry, in the Temple courtyard or near the altar. Idolaters would commonly plant trees near their places of worship, often dedicating them as Asherah trees. The Torah bans this practice to ensure that the service of Hashem remains distinct and free from any resemblance to pagan worship.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 6:9): Even a beautiful or fragrant tree planted near the altar is forbidden, regardless of intent.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 430): The root is to distance Israel from idolatrous customs and preserve the sanctity of the Temple’s service.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 7b): Emphasizes that planting any tree near the altar dishonors Hashem, as it recalls practices of idolaters.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹֽא־תִטַּ֥ע לְךָ֛ אֲשֵׁרָ֖ה כׇּל־עֵ֑ץ אֵ֗צֶל מִזְבַּ֛ח יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשֶׂה־לָּֽךְ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
Deuteronomy 16:21 - "You shall not plant for yourself an asherah, [or] any tree, near the altar of the Lord, your God, which you shall make for yourself."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Temple - בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ

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Concerns the Beit HaMikdash, korbanot (offerings), and priestly service.

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Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

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Mitzvot that prohibit worship of false gods and practices associated with idol worship.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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