29

Not to make an idol for yourself

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

We are forbidden from making statues for worship, regardless of whether they are made by the person himself or he asks someone else to make them for him.

This mitzvah forbids creating idols or graven images for oneself, whether for actual worship or even as symbolic representations of divinity. The Torah commands us to avoid any attempt to depict Hashem or His creation in a way that could lead to idolatrous practices. The prohibition emphasizes the transcendence of Hashem, who cannot be represented in physical form.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 3:10): One who fashions an idol, even without bowing to it, transgresses this prohibition.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 27): The root is to remove any association between physical images and divine worship, as it leads to heresy.
  • Talmud (Avodah Zarah 43a): Clarifies that even creating images for oneself without intent of worship is forbidden if it resembles idolatry.
(Source: Chabad.org)
לֹֽ֣א־תַעֲשֶֽׂ֨ה־לְךָ֥֣ פֶ֣֙סֶל֙ ׀ וְכׇל־תְּמוּנָ֔֡ה אֲשֶׁ֤֣ר בַּשָּׁמַ֣֙יִם֙ ׀ מִמַּ֔֡עַל וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר֩ בָּאָ֖֨רֶץ מִתָּ֑͏ַ֜חַת וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּמַּ֖֣יִם ׀ מִתַּ֥֣חַת לָאָֽ֗רֶץ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת יִתְרוֹ
Exodus 20:4 - "You shall not make for yourself a sculptured image, or any likeness of what is in the heavens above, or on the earth below, or in the waters under the earth."

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Idolatry - עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

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

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Thought - מַחֲשָׁבָה

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

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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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.

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