60

Not to be superstitious

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

Do not engage in superstitious practices or omens.

This mitzvah forbids engaging in superstition, such as relying on omens, arbitrary signs, or irrational predictions to guide behavior. Examples include interpreting bird movements, dropping objects, or making decisions based on unfounded signs. The Torah requires Israel to rely on Hashem’s providence and Torah wisdom rather than superstitious practices that lead to false beliefs.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:4): Defines nichush (superstition) as acting based on irrational signs, like saying “my bread fell, so I will not travel today.”
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 249): The root is to ensure Israel bases life on truth and divine guidance, not foolish customs.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b): Lists examples of prohibited superstitions, teaching that they stem from idolatrous ways of thinking.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹ֥א תֹאכְל֖וּ עַל־הַדָּ֑ם לֹ֥א תְנַחֲשׁ֖וּ וְלֹ֥א תְעוֹנֵֽנוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
Leviticus 19:26 - "You shall not eat over the blood. You shall not act on the basis of omens or lucky hours."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

Information Icon

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

View Badge →

Thought - מַחֲשָׁבָה

Information Icon

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

View Badge →

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

Information Icon

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.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

125

To have children with one's wife
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

רְאֵה - Re'eh

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:13-14
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha