8

Not to destroy objects associated with His Name

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holiness – קְדוּשָּׁה

The prohibition is that we are forbidden from destroying any houses of worship of G-d (exalted be He) or books of the Prophets, erasing one of the Holy Names of G-d, or any similar act.

This mitzvah forbids the destruction or dishonoring of objects associated with holiness, such as a Sefer Torah, tefillin, mezuzot, or any sacred item where Hashem’s Name is written. It also prohibits erasing Hashem’s Name or treating holy spaces with disrespect. The commandment safeguards reverence for the sanctity of Torah and reminds us that Hashem’s Name must always be honored.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 6:1–2): It is forbidden to erase or destroy the holy Names of Hashem written in Torah texts.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 437): Extends the prohibition to the destruction of synagogues or batei midrash, since they are places of Hashem’s honor.
  • Talmud (Shavuot 35a): Erasing Hashem’s Name intentionally is considered a severe transgression.
(Source: Chabad.org)
:פָּרָשַׁת רְאֵה - לֹא־תַֽעֲשׂ֣וּן כֵּ֔ן לַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אֱלֹֽהֵיכֶֽם
Deuteronomy 12:4 - You shall not do so to the L-rd, your G-d.

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

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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Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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Temple - בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ

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Concerns the Beit HaMikdash, korbanot (offerings), and priestly service.

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