30

Not to make an idol for others

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

We are forbidden from making an idol, even for others to serve, and even at the request of a non-Jew.

This mitzvah forbids making idols not only for oneself but even for others, including non-Jews. Assisting in the creation of an idol is itself considered a grave sin, for it enables and strengthens idolatry. The Torah establishes complete separation from idol-making in every form, distancing Israel from any role in its practice.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 3:9): Even one who fashions an idol for another transgresses this prohibition, regardless of intent to worship.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 213): Teaching that making idols for others corrupts society by spreading falsehood and distancing people from Hashem.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 56b): Derives that even facilitating idolatry for others is prohibited under Torah law.
(Source: Chabad.org)
אַל־תִּפְנוּ֙ אֶל־הָ֣אֱלִילִ֔ם וֵֽאלֹהֵי֙ מַסֵּכָ֔ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשׂ֖וּ לָכֶ֑ם אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
Leviticus 19:4 - "You shall not turn to the worthless idols, nor shall you make molten deities for yourselves. I am the L-rd, your G-d."

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Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

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

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