203

Not to drink wine poured in service to idols

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
אֲשֶׁ֨ר חֵ֤לֶב זְבָחֵ֙ימוֹ֙ יֹאכֵ֔לוּ יִשְׁתּ֖וּ יֵ֣ין נְסִיכָ֑ם—יָק֙וּמוּ֙ וְיַעְזְרֻכֶ֔ם יְהִ֥י עֲלֵיכֶ֖ם סִתְרָֽה׃ - פָּרָשַׁת הַאֲזִינוּ
Deuteronomy 32:38 - "who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their libations? Let them arise and help you! Let them be your shelter!"

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

Forbidden to drink or benefit from wine used in idolatrous worship.

This mitzvah prohibits drinking wine that has been poured as a libation to an idol (yayin nesekh). Such wine was central to idolatrous rituals, and by forbidding it entirely, the Torah creates a strong barrier between Israel and pagan worship. The prohibition extends not only to drinking but also to deriving any form of benefit. In later rabbinic law, restrictions were added to wine handled by idolaters (stam yeinam) to prevent assimilation and safeguard Jewish distinctiveness.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 11:7–9): Rules that yayin nesekh is assur b’hana’ah — completely forbidden, even for selling or gifting.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 111): Explains that the mitzvah instills separation from idolatrous practices and preserves Jewish holiness.
  • Talmud (Avodah Zarah 29b–30a): Discusses the severity of this prohibition and the rabbinic safeguards around wine.
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

Information Icon

Mitzvot that prohibit worship of false gods and practices associated with idol worship.

View Badge →

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

Information Icon

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.

View Badge →

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

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

View Badge →

Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

Information Icon

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

View Badge →

Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

Information Icon

Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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 #

413

A permanent or temporary [non-Jewish] hired worker must not eat from it
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

וְזֹאת הַבְּרָכָה - V'Zot HaBerachah

Haftarah: Joshua, 1:1–18
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha