158. Things Found on an Idol

Avodas Kochavim 7:15

It is not prohibited to derive benefit from meat, wine or fruit that was prepared as an offering for idolatry. Even if it was brought into the temple of an idol, it does not become prohibited until it is actually brought as an offering. Once it has been brought as an offering, it becomes perpetually prohibited even if it is later removed from the idolatrous temple. The Torah prohibits deriving benefit from anything in an idolatrous temple - even water and salt. If someone eats even the smallest amount of such a thing, he is liable to the penalty of lashes.

Avodas Kochavim 7:16

Let’s say that someone finds clothes, utensils or money on the head of an idol. If these things were placed in a disparaging way, they are permitted. If they were put there respectfully, they are prohibited. Therefore, if a person finds a purse hanging around an idol’s neck, folded clothes on its head, or a utensil turned over on its head, these are permitted because they were put there in a disparaging way. If one finds something that Jews would use as an offering on the idol’s head, it is prohibited.

All of the above applies when one finds something outside an idolatrous temple. If something is found inside, it is forbidden regardless of whether it was put there disparagingly or respectfully, whether or not it is something Jews would offer, even water and salt.

Pe'or and Mercury were actually served through disrespectful acts. It is forbidden to derive benefit from anything found with them, both inside their temples and outside of them. The same is true of stones found near an idol of Mercury; one is not permitted to derive benefit from a stone that seems to be with the idol.