Mitzvah —
61
Not to go into a trance to foresee events, etc.
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לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֣א בְךָ֔ מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽוֹ־וּבִתּ֖וֹ בָּאֵ֑שׁ קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּמְכַשֵּֽׁף׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
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Deuteronomy 18:10 - "There shall not be found among you anyone who passes his son or daughter through fire, a soothsayer, a diviner of [auspicious] times, one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer,"
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה
It is forbidden to enter trances or altered states to divine the future, imitate soothsayers, or use mystical timing to foresee events.
This mitzvah prohibits me’onen — entering a trance or using methods like chanting, cloud-gazing, or time-based superstitions to predict events. Rambam codifies that this includes those who attempt to hypnotize themselves or others into altered states to foresee outcomes. The Torah views such practices as deceitful and spiritually dangerous because they substitute false mystical techniques for reliance on Hashem and prophecy. Sefer HaChinuch stresses that these practices distract from true spiritual growth and mislead communities. The Talmud distinguishes between natural wisdom (e.g., using experience, signs in weather, or medical knowledge) and prohibited mystical trances used to manipulate fate.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Lo Ta’aseh 33): Counts the prohibition of me’onen, forbidding trances or soothsaying.
- Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:8): Defines me’onen as those who schedule actions based on specific times, or place themselves in altered states to foresee events.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 250): Explains that Israel must trust Hashem’s providence and not false predictions; such practices weaken the foundation of Torah life.
- Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b): Lists me’onen as those who attempt to foresee the future through times, trances, or enchantments.
- Rashi (Deut. 18:10): Interprets me’onen as those who claim to determine auspicious times through trances or superstitious timing.
- Ramban (Deut. 18:10): Emphasizes that Israel’s distinction is prophecy — Hashem provides guidance, unlike the nations who use trances and omens.
- Midrash (Sifrei Devarim §171): Teaches that me’onen is falsehood and vanity, and that Israel must not confuse fantasy with divine wisdom.
Contrast with…
- Mitzvah 60 (Not to Be Superstitious): Nichush is reliance on signs and coincidences, while Mitzvah 61 prohibits altered states or time-based enchantments (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:4 vs. 11:8).
- Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b): Contrasts nichush (omens) with me’onen (time-trance practices), noting both are banned but distinct.
Parallel to…
- Isaiah 8:19: “When they say to you: ‘Seek the mediums and wizards who whisper and mutter’ — should not a people seek their G-d?” Parallels the Torah’s rejection of trances.
- Jeremiah 10:2: “Learn not the way of the nations.” A broader parallel forbidding foreign occult practices.
- Psalms 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Contrasts divine Torah guidance with deceptive trance rituals.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Horoscopes, Astrology, and “Energy Timings”
- Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:8) defines me’onen as timing actions based on superstition. Today, this applies to astrology-based calendars, “lucky times” apps, or energy-cycle forecasts, which substitute fabricated timing for trust in Hashem.
Hypnosis, Mediums, and Channeling
- Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) includes trance states under me’onen. Modern parallels are New Age trances, séance-like channeling, or hypnotic rituals promising prophecy. Sefer HaChinuch (250) warns such practices corrupt the soul by chasing illusions.
Numerology & Ritual Scheduling
- Rashi (Deut. 18:10) describes me’onen as arranging activities by auspicious times. Today, this is mirrored in scheduling life events by numerology, “angel numbers,” or lunar astrology, which Ramban says undermines reliance on divine providence.
New Age & Spiritual Superstitions
- Midrash (Sifrei Devarim §171) calls me’onen vanity. Many modern spiritual practices blur meditation with superstition — such as guided trances promising visions or knowledge. Torah distinguishes genuine mindfulness from occult manipulations.
Decision-Making Through Trance or “Signs”
- Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:8) says me’onen claims foreknowledge through states of mind. Today, people sometimes use psychedelics or altered states to “discover truth.” Torah insists wisdom comes through study, prayer, and halacha, not artificial trances.
Healthy Alternatives — Torah over Trance
- Ramban (Deut. 18:10) explains that Israel’s alternative is prophecy and Torah guidance. In practice, Jews strengthen reliance on Hashem through prayer, consultation with rabbinic authority, and emunah — rejecting trances and embracing divine direction.
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:8) ties me’onen directly to idolatrous practice, warning against trance and time-based foretelling. Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) categorizes it among forbidden occult acts. Sefer HaChinuch (250) calls it a root of spiritual corruption.
Thought – מַחֲשָׁבָה
- Rashi (Deut. 18:10) explains me’onen as reliance on times and states of mind, shaping irrational thought. Ramban stresses that these practices replace Torah-guided thought with pagan fantasies.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (250) stresses that me’onen weakens faith by promoting false confidence in omens. Ramban connects the mitzvah to Israel’s reliance on Hashem through prophecy. This tag emphasizes emunah as the antidote to superstition.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Midrash (Sifrei Devarim §171) equates trances with vanity. By rejecting them, Jews direct awe toward Hashem instead of illusions.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Ramban (Deut. 18:10) says Israel’s holiness is defined by turning to Torah, not pagan trances. The mitzvah ensures spiritual separation and kedushah.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b) shows how trance rituals can mislead communities. Avoiding them protects Israel from mass error and false leadership.
Between a person and G-d – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Rambam and Ramban both define me’onen as rebellion against Hashem’s guidance. By observing this mitzvah, a Jew affirms loyalty to G-d’s providence, not false trances.
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