64

Not to attempt to engage the dead in conversation

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

Do not attempt to communicate with the dead.

This mitzvah forbids the practice of doresh el hametim — seeking to engage the dead through rituals, incantations, or mediums. Such acts attempt to access hidden knowledge through the spirits of the deceased and were common among pagan nations. The Torah teaches that Israel must not degrade its faith by turning to the dead, but instead trust solely in Hashem, the living G-d, for guidance.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:13): Details various forms of necromancy, such as fasting, sleeping in cemeteries, or using rituals to summon the dead.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 252): The root is to keep Israel far from deception, as these practices corrupt the soul and replace faith in Hashem with superstition.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b): Describes necromancy as one of the forbidden forms of sorcery, punishable under Torah law.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וְחֹבֵ֖ר חָ֑בֶר וְשֹׁאֵ֥ל אוֹב֙ וְיִדְּעֹנִ֔י וְדֹרֵ֖שׁ אֶל־הַמֵּתִֽים׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
Deuteronomy 18:11 - "or a charmer, a pithom sorcerer, a yido'a sorcerer, or a necromancer."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

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Mitzvot that prohibit worship of false gods and practices associated with idol worship.

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Thought - מַחֲשָׁבָה

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Relates to internal intentions, beliefs, and mindfulness in performing mitzvot or avoiding transgressions.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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