Shlomo Hamelech used a 'Shamir' worm to quarry and cut the stones for the first Beis Hamikdash. Did they still have this worm for the second Beis Hamikdash?
If not, how were the stones cut (as no metal implements were allowed to be used)?
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1 Answer
According to the Mishna (Sotah 9:12), the Shamir wasn't extinct until the destruction of the second Beis Hamikdash.
ט:יב משמתו נביאים הראשונים, בטלו אורים ותומים. משחרב בית המקדש, בטל השמיר ונופת צופים;
Incidentally, there is no mention of the Shamir in Rambam. Ever the rationalist, Rambam doesn't believe in demons (which were associated with the Shamir). He held that it was okay to quarry and cut the stones outside the Beis Hamikdash area, and then be brought in (See Beis Habechira 1:8).
Likely, Rambam is following the Mechilta (Shemos 20:22) who holds that the prohibition only applies to the stones for the Mizbeach, and not to any other stones which may be hewn.
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You have to learn the Sugya in Sotah 48b. R' Nechemia is of the opinion that it was used to cut the precious stones of the ephod and choshen.– ZviJul 27, 2014 at 14:05
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A note: you reference Beis Habechira 1:8....in the version you linked to it wasn't in the regular "8", but the content you mention isn't mentioned until 1:9 (which could be 8) .....you may want to clarify that in your answer– MTLJul 28, 2014 at 1:42
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@Shokhet Mechon Mamre uses both, hence the 9 in brackets, too. I found the reference then linked it. If you know of a Rambam online that matches the standard text & numbering, let me know and I'll relink it.– ZviJul 28, 2014 at 7:48
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