123

Not to have relations with women not thus married

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
לֹא־תִהְיֶ֥ה קְדֵשָׁ֖ה מִבְּנ֣וֹת יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל וְלֹֽא־יִהְיֶ֥ה קָדֵ֖שׁ מִבְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ - פָּרָשַׁת כִּי־תֵצֵא
Deuteronomy 23:18 - "There shall not be a prostitute of the daughters of Israel, and there shall not be a male prostitute of the sons of Israel."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Family – מִשְׁפָּחָה

Forbidden to engage in sexual relations outside of kiddushin.

This mitzvah prohibits sexual relations with a woman who is not married through the sanctity of kiddushin. The Torah forbids casual or promiscuous relationships, safeguarding the holiness of marriage and the sanctity of the Jewish family. By restricting intimacy to the framework of halachic marriage, this mitzvah ensures that relationships are elevated, purposeful, and rooted in divine sanctification, not physical desire alone.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 1:4): Emphasizes that any intimacy outside of kiddushin is forbidden and considered promiscuity.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 553): The root is to protect the sanctity of family life and prevent immorality, ensuring that children are born into a framework of holiness.
  • Talmud (Kiddushin 2b): Clarifies that relations without kiddushin fall under the prohibition of kedeshah, and are a Torah violation.
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

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 →

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 →

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 →

Between a person and their fellow - בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

Information Icon

Encompasses mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, and justice in human relationships.

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