Now is a good time to do a Mitzvah
- Prohibition
12
Do not worship an idol in the way it is usually served.
“Do not serve them” Shmos 20:5
Even if done in a disgraceful manner for example defecating to Peor or throwing a stone at Merkulis. It is punishable by death by stoning.
If done without a warning the punishment is spiritual severance and if done unintentionally a sin offering is required.
However, if one defecated on Merkulis he would be free from punishment since it’s not the usual way of worship and is disgraceful.
If someone hugs and kisses an idol, or sweeps the ground in front of it, or some other act of homage to any type of idol he violates this prohibition.
Since this is a prohibition involving a variety of things he is not punished with whiplashes.
If there are water fountains in sculptured images regarding some idolatry one should not put his mouth upon them to drink as it appears to be kissing an idol.
This applies in all places at all times for men and women.
