Avodah Zarah

'By streams of water'.  — Said R. Tanhum b. Hanilai:  [This implies that] one should divide one's years [of study] into three [and devote] one third of them to Scripture, one third to Mishnah,  and one third to Talmud.  But does a man know the tenure of his life? — What is meant is that he should apply this practice to every day of his life. That bringeth forth its fruit in its season and whose leaf doth not wither  — was explained by Raba thus: If he bringeth forth his fruit in its season, then, his leaf will not wither,  otherwise, both to the one taught and to the one who teaches does the scriptural verse apply, Not so the wicked; but they are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. R. Abba said in the name of R. Huna, in the name of Rab:  The scriptural words, For she hath cast down many wounded,  refer to the disciple who gives decisions though he has not reached the age of ordination;  yea, a mighty host are her slain  refer to the disciple who has reached the ordination age but refrains from giving decisions.  And what is the age? — Forty years. But did not Rabbah act as Rabbi?  — That was a case of being equal [to anyone]. And whose leaf doth not wither.  — Said R. Aha b. Adda in the name of Rab (some ascribe it to R. Aha b. Abba in the name of R. Hamnuna, in the name of Rab): Even the ordinary talk of scholars needs studying, for it is said, And whose leaf doth not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.  R. Joshua b. Levi said: The following is written in the Law,  repeated in the Prophets and mentioned a third time in the Hagiographa: Whosoever occupies himself with the Torah, his possessions shall prosper. 'It is written in the Law,' — for it says, Observe therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that ye may make all that ye do to prosper.'  'It is repeated in the Prophets,' — for it is written, This book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy ways prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.  'It is mentioned a third time in the Hagiographa,' — for it is written, R. Alexandri was once calling out, 'Who wants life, who wants life?' All the people came and gathered round him saying: 'Give us life!' He then quoted to them, Who is the man who desireth life and loveth days that he may see good therein? Keep thy tongue from evil and thy lips from speaking guile, depart from evil and do good, seek peace and pursue it.  Lest one say, 'I kept my tongue from evil and my lips from speaking guile. I may therefore indulge in sleep,' Scripture therefore tells us, Turn from evil and do good. By 'good' nought but Torah is meant; as it is said, For I have given you a good doctrine, forsake ye not my Torah. WHEN, HOWEVER, HE REACHES THE CUPOLA IN WHICH THE IDOL IS PLACED [HE MUST NOT BUILD]. Said R. Eleazar in the name of R. Johanan: If, however, he did build, the pay he received is permitted. This surely is obvious: it is a case of appurtenances of idols, and appurtenances of idols, whether according to R. Ishmael or according to R. Akiba,  are not forbidden till actually worshipped! — Said R. Jeremiah: It is necessary in the case of the idol itself.23  This would be right according to the one  who holds that [to derive any benefit from] the making of an idol for an Israelite  is forbidden forthwith, but from the making of one for an idolater, not until it is worshipped. In that case this is very well; but according to the one who holds that even when made for an idolater [any benefit] is forbidden forthwith, what is there to be said?  — But, said Rabbah b. 'Ulla, the statement is necessary in regard to the last stroke of work; for what is it that makes the idol fit for worship? It is its completion; and when is the completion MISHNAH. ONE SHOULD NOT MAKE JEWELLERY FOR AN IDOL [SUCH AS] NECKLACES, EAR-RINGS, OR FINGER-RINGS. R. ELIEZER SAYS, FOR PAYMENT IT IS PERMITTED. ONE SHOULD NOT SELL TO IDOLATERS A THING WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE SOIL, BUT WHEN SEVERED IT MAY BE SOLD. R. JUDAH SAYS, ONE MAY SELL IT ON CONDITION THAT IT BE SEVERED. GEMARA. Whence do we derive these rules? — Said R. Jose b. Hanina: