What is the problem with the Ashera tree?

The Book of Dvarim emphasizes that B’nai Yisrael are supposed to uproot and destroy idol worship from the Land of Israel.

In Parshat Shoftim, Dvarim 16:21, we read:

Do not plant an Ashera (idolatrous tree) for yourself or any tree near the mizbeach (altar) of HaShem, your God that you will make for yourself.

Ashera has two meanings:

1. A tree intended for worship.
2. Any kind of tree planted near the mizbeach.

According to Ramban, it is called “Ashera” from the word “ashurai” my steps, as we see in Tehillim 17:5: “My steps (ashurai) have adhered to Your pathways; my feet have never faltered.”

We see the word “ashurai” in Tehillim 40:3 as well: “…He set my feet on solid stone and steadied my footsteps (ashurai).”

In Tehillim 73:2 we read: “But as for me, my feet nearly strayed, my steps (ashurai) had all but slipped.”

God wants to make sure that we are directing our steps towards Him and not towards idol worship and therefore He doesn’t want us to plant trees near the mizbeach which could ultimately lead to idol worship.

Ramban explains that the beauty of the tree will not bring honor and glory to the mizbeach. Rather, it will detract from it. The reason that the Ashera is prohibited is because it was a custom of the idolaters to plant trees at the entrances of their idol’s temples as we see in Shoftim 6:25: “…Destroy the altar of Baal which belongs to your father, and cut down the Ashera over it.”

Rambam in Hilchot Avoda Zara and Chukot HaGoyim (Laws of Idol Worship) 7:11 teaches:

Sitting under the shade of the trunk of an Ashera tree, whether it is worshipped itself or whether an idol is placed under it- is forbidden. It is however permissible to sit under the shade of its leaves. If a person has another route, it is forbidden to walk under the tree. If he has no other route, he may pass under it as long as he runs.

There are those who are stringent who say not to even sit in the shade of the branches.

We see from here that every attempt must be made to stay away from idol worship in order to serve God with a pure heart.

May the days come when we will have the opportunity to rebuild the Beit HaMikdash and once again follow the precise rules of how exactly it should be built and maintained as outlined in the Torah.