123

Not to have relations with women not thus married

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
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)
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."
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To have children with one's wife
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רְאֵה - Re'eh

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:13-14
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