18

Not to oppress the weak

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Between a person and their fellow – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

We are forbidden from mistreating orphans and widows (the weak).

This mitzvah forbids oppressing those who are vulnerable, including converts, orphans, widows, and others without protection. The Torah highlights sensitivity toward the weak, reminding us of Israel’s own suffering in Egypt. Oppression can be through harsh words, unfair treatment, or exploitation. The mitzvah ensures that justice and compassion remain central to the Jewish people.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot De’ot 6:10): Warns especially against wronging converts, since the Torah repeats this prohibition many times.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 63): The root is to cultivate mercy and avoid cruelty, particularly toward those who lack support.
  • Talmud (Bava Metzia 59b): Hashem declares that He personally listens to the cries of the oppressed, and their pain is taken with utmost seriousness.
(Source: Chabad.org)
כׇּל־אַלְמָנָ֥ה וְיָת֖וֹם לֹ֥א תְעַנּֽוּן׃ - פָּרָשַׁת מִשְׁפָּטִים
Exodus 22:21 - "You shall not oppress any widow or orphan."
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 #

125

To have children with one's wife
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

רְאֵה - Re'eh

Haftarah: Isaiah 54:13-14
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha