61

Not to go into a trance to foresee events, etc.

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

It is forbidden to use any of the methods employed by psychics to stimulate their supposed clairvoyant talents—and to then predict the future based on these actions.

This mitzvah forbids the practice of onen — entering a trance, casting spells, or engaging in rituals intended to foresee events or control fate. Such practices seek supernatural knowledge outside of prophecy, deceiving people and leading them away from Hashem. The Torah commands Israel to reject these methods and rely only on divine guidance through Torah and true prophets.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:8): Defines onen as one who uses timing, rituals, or trances to predict events, such as saying a day is auspicious for travel.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 250): The root is to uproot false practices that confuse people and distance them from trusting Hashem’s providence.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 65b): Lists onen among forms of forbidden divination, distinguishing it from other kinds of sorcery.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹֽא־יִמָּצֵ֣א בְךָ֔ מַעֲבִ֥יר בְּנֽוֹ־וּבִתּ֖וֹ בָּאֵ֑שׁ קֹסֵ֣ם קְסָמִ֔ים מְעוֹנֵ֥ן וּמְנַחֵ֖שׁ וּמְכַשֵּֽׁף׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
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 Fundamentals

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

Information Icon

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

View Badge →

Thought - מַחֲשָׁבָה

Information Icon

Relates to internal intentions, beliefs, and mindfulness in performing mitzvot or avoiding transgressions.

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 →
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 #

125

To have children with one's wife
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

רְאֵה - Re'eh

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:13-14
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha