65

Not to consult the Ov

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

Do not consult mediums who channel spirits (Ov).

This mitzvah forbids turning to or seeking guidance from those who practice Ov — a form of necromancy or sorcery involving channeling spirits through unnatural means. Consulting such people defiles the one who seeks them out, leading to reliance on superstition instead of on Hashem. The Torah commands Israel to pursue truth through prophecy and Torah study, not through deceitful occult practices.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:16): One who consults an Ov is liable for lashes, as it constitutes actively seeking forbidden divination.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 253): The root is to prevent spiritual defilement and protect Israel from being led astray by falsehood.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b–66a): Clarifies the distinction between performing Ov (which incurs stoning) and consulting it (which incurs lashes).
(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

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 →

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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