36

Not to missionize an individual to idol worship

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

It is forbidden to incite another to worship idols.

This mitzvah forbids attempting to convince another Jew to serve idols, whether through persuasion, enticement, or subtle influence. Known as the mesit (enticer), such a person commits one of the most severe sins, as they seek to uproot another’s faith and devotion to Hashem. The Torah treats this act with exceptional severity, emphasizing the danger of leading even one soul astray.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 5:1–2): Defines the mesit as one who entices another to idolatry, even privately, and notes the special stringency of this crime.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 462): The root is to preserve Israel’s faith by preventing even a single individual from falling into idolatry.
  • Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a): Details the laws of the mesit, noting that no crime is pursued more zealously, given the potential harm to the community.
(Source: Chabad.org)
וְכׇ֨ל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יִשְׁמְע֖וּ וְיִֽרָא֑וּן וְלֹֽא־יוֹסִ֣פוּ לַעֲשׂ֗וֹת כַּדָּבָ֥ר הָרָ֛ע הַזֶּ֖ה בְּקִרְבֶּֽךָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת רְאֵה
Deuteronomy 13:12 - "And all Israel shall listen and fear, and they shall no longer do any evil such as this in your midst."

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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Speech - דָּבָר

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Pertains to the power of speech—both positive and negative—including lashon hara, vows, and blessings.

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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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