(Devarim 16:21) "You shall not plant for yourself an asheirah (a tree devoted to idolatry)": We are hereby taught that one who plants an asheirah transgresses a negative commandment. And whence is it derived that one who plants a tree in the Temple mount transgresses a negative commandment? From "You shall not plant for yourself … any tree beside the altar of the L-rd your G-d."

R. Eliezer b. Yaakov says: Whence is it derived that a portico is not built in the azarah (the Temple court)? From "any tree (i.e., wood) beside the altar of the L-rd your G-d." "that you make for yourself": to include (in the interdict planting a tree beside) a bamah (a temporary altar).

3. “Do not plant for yourself an Asherah” (Dt.16:21). The Torah elsewhere teaches: “And burn their Asherahs in fire” (Dt.12:3)— the proscription of planting [an Asherah] is a logical deduction [from the command to burn any Asherah that has already been planted]. But how do I know that we may not maintain an Asherah [prior to burning it]? The Teaching states: “Do not plant for yourself” (Dt.16:21)— any type of maintenance [is proscribed].

4. Another word: Even a house [that sheltered an Asherah must be burned]; even a Festival Hut.¹³

footnotes: ¹³ The last line of Finkletstein’s text is missing (F:200, l.11. On the basis of the Vatican ms, Hammer supplies “Festival Hut.” 145.4 is lacking in RH, TA and Pardo.