66

Not to consult the Yidoni

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

Do not seek out Yidoni (occult seers) for guidance.

This mitzvah forbids seeking out or consulting practitioners of Yidoni — a form of sorcery in which bones or objects are used to produce voices or messages. Even if the person does not practice the sorcery himself, turning to such a source is considered defilement, as it reflects reliance on superstition rather than Hashem. The Torah commands that spiritual truth be sought only through legitimate means, such as prophecy and Torah wisdom.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:16): Rules that consulting a Yidoni is punishable by lashes, distinct from the capital punishment for performing it.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 254): The root is to keep Israel away from false, degrading practices that pollute the soul and weaken faith in Hashem.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 65a–66a): Notes that Ov and Yidoni are often paired together, but each is a distinct prohibited practice with its own punishment.
(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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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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

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