Similarly, "And if an altar of stones you make for Me

Mekhilta DeRabbi Yishmael Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 11:13

Curated by The Jewish Mythology Team · Published January 19, 2025

Similarly, "And if an altar of stones you make for Me." This is mandatory. You say it is mandatory, but perhaps it is optional. (This is not so,) for it is written (Devarim 27:6) "Of whole stones shall you build the altar of the L–rd." It is mandatory and not optional (to build an altar). And what is the intent of "if an altar of stones"? If he wishes to build it of stones, he may do so. (If he wishes to build it) of bricks, he may do so. Now does this not follow a fortiori for the other vessels, viz. If he may vary (i.e., either stones or bricks) for the altar, the more "formidable," how much more so may he do so for other vessels (of lesser formidability) (e.g., the menorah and the table, to make them of silver.)

Themes

Temple Sacrifice

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