Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Siman 166

AI summary (may contain mistakes)

The Kitzur counts as a me'onen one who seizes the eyes, tricking people by sleight of hand so they seem to see wonders. The Kitzur then turns to the laws of idol worship and the many ways it keeps us at a distance from an idol. The Kitzur permits supporting idolaters' poor, visiting their sick and comforting their mourners, as ways of peace.

Key points

• Even after nullification, the Kitzur calls articles of idolatry unfit for mitzvah use, as repugnant to Hashem.
• The Kitzur forbids gazing at an idol for pleasure, from the pasuk do not turn to the idols.
• The Kitzur forbids bending before an idol for a thorn even unseen, and has one sit or turn aside.

In this shiur

1. 0:00Me'onen as one who seizes the eyes
2. 4:45Inquiring of sorcerers
3. 7:01The laws of idol worship
4. 11:22Candles kindled before an idol
5. 13:30Gazing at an idol
6. 18:38Mentioning the names of idols
7. 23:21Kindness to idolaters for peace

Topics

• Avodah Zarah
• Me'onen
• Bittul
• Maris Ayin