28

Not to bow down to idols

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

We are forbidden from bowing down to an idol. Our usage of the term, "idol," of course includes serving anything other than G‑d.

This mitzvah forbids bowing to any idol, even if it is not the customary way that idol is worshiped. Bowing, as a universal act of submission and reverence, is inherently considered idol service. The Torah requires absolute loyalty to Hashem, rejecting any physical expression of devotion toward false gods.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 3:6): Even bowing without intention to serve is forbidden if done before an idol.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 30): Bowing is the most fundamental sign of worship, and therefore prohibited toward any deity besides Hashem.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 60b): Teaches that bowing to an idol is a capital offense regardless of its unique practices.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹֽא־תִשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֥֣ה לָהֶ֖ם֮ וְלֹ֣א תׇעׇבְדֵ֑ם֒ כִּ֣י אָֽנֹכִ֞י יְהֹוָ֤ה אֱלֹהֶ֙יךָ֙ אֵ֣ל קַנָּ֔א פֹּ֠קֵ֠ד עֲוֺ֨ן אָבֹ֧ת עַל־בָּנִ֛ים עַל־שִׁלֵּשִׁ֥ים וְעַל־רִבֵּעִ֖ים לְשֹׂנְאָֽ֑י׃ - פָּרָשַׁת יִתְרוֹ
Exodus 20:5 - "You shall neither prostrate yourself before them nor worship them, for I, the L-rd, your G-d, am a zealous G-d, Who visits the iniquity of the fathers upon the sons, upon the third and the fourth generation of those who hate Me,"

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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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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Covenant - בְּרִית

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Tied to the eternal covenant between G‑d and the Jewish people, including signs like brit milah and Shabbat.

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