Unexpected Insights: The Mysteries of the Decorative and Misleading Stones

In the Torah portion of Bechukotai, we are commanded, "And you shall not place a decorative stone in your land to bow upon." What exactly is a decorative stone, and what's the core of this prohibition?

The Gemara (Tractate Megillah 22b) explains that the prohibition refers to paving an area with stones for the purpose of bowing to Hashem. This resembles building a separate sanctuary, not in the chosen place, and is therefore forbidden. 'Decorative' refers to a covering, paving, or it could mean a covered surface. The intention behind this paving is for the convenience of bowing. The prohibition specifically addresses bowing with outstretched arms and legs, beyond mere kneeling.

However, according to Targum Jonathan, who was also a Tanna, it pertains to a painted stone. He writes: "And you shall not place a painted stone in your land to bow upon," indicating a decorative stone not to be placed in your lands. It draws attention, with paintings captivating the eye. Even bowing by bending over is prohibited, as indicated in his translation.

The Jerusalem Targum translates it as a "stone of error," a term referring to idolatry, separating us from falsehoods. These were stones previously used for idol worship. Rabbi David Zvi Hoffman suggests, following this name, that even "the stone of errors" in Jerusalem was a remnant of structures built by the Jebusites, hence named after them. During the Temple times, this stone was used for announcing lost items. Amidst the throngs of pilgrims, anyone who lost something would turn to the stone of errors, where it served as a 'lost and found corner', likely due to its height.

The stone of errors is also mentioned in the story of Choni the Circle Maker, who said, "Just as it is impossible for this stone to be removed from the world, so it is impossible to pray for the rains to go away." This suggests it was a strong and very large stone. Recently, an elevated structure with steps was discovered near the "Pilgrims’ Path" – the route from the Siloam Pool leading up to the Ophel, used by pilgrims ascending from purification in the spring up to the temple. Some speculate this might be the stone of errors.