54

Not to derive benefit from idols and their accessories

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

Do not gain any benefit from idols or anything associated with them.

This mitzvah forbids making use of idols or any objects associated with their worship, such as altars, offerings, or accessories. Even indirect benefit, like selling or repurposing these items, is prohibited. The Torah commands that they be destroyed so that no connection to idolatry remains, ensuring that holiness and impurity are never intermixed.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 7:2–3): Rules that both the idol itself and its accessories (tashmishei avodah zarah) are forbidden for benefit.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 437): The root is to prevent any honor, use, or advantage from coming to objects tied to idolatry.
  • Talmud (Avodah Zarah 50a): Teaches that even dust or fragments of destroyed idols remain prohibited for benefit.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וְלֹא־תָבִ֤יא תֽוֹעֵבָה֙ אֶל־בֵּיתֶ֔ךָ וְהָיִ֥יתָ חֵ֖רֶם כָּמֹ֑הוּ שַׁקֵּ֧ץ ׀ תְּשַׁקְּצֶ֛נּוּ וְתַעֵ֥ב ׀ תְּֽתַעֲבֶ֖נּוּ כִּי־חֵ֥רֶם הֽוּא׃ - פָּרָשַׁת עֵקֶב
Deuteronomy 7:26 - "Nor should you bring an abomination into your house, lest you are to be destroyed like it, but you shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly abhor it; for it is to be destroyed."

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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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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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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