Not to pass your children through the fire to Molech

Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה

• Rambam (Avodat Kochavim 6:3) rules Molech as avodah zarah of the gravest order. Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) calls it a capital offense. Ramban describes it as the pinnacle of idol worship’s corruption. Sefer HaChinuch stresses that this idolatry uniquely desecrates Hashem’s Name.

Faith – אֱמוּנָה

• Sefer HaChinuch (208) explains Molech destroys emunah by teaching people to entrust their children to false powers. Rambam stresses that faith must rest in Hashem as the sole Giver of life. Midrash describes faith as affirming Hashem’s sovereignty, which Molech denies.

Family – מִשְׁפָּחָה

• Rambam notes that Molech undermines the natural parental duty to protect children. Sefer HaChinuch highlights that the Torah safeguards family bonds from being corrupted by idolatry. Midrash emphasizes that Molech desecrated the sanctity of family life at its core.

Love – אַהֲבָה

• Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) stresses that Molech inverts love, turning devotion into cruelty. Rambam explains Torah enjoins love of children as a reflection of Hashem’s love, which Molech destroys. Ramban adds that ahavah sanctifies family, not sacrifices them.

Martyrdom – קִידּוּשׁ הַשֵּׁם

• Rashi (Lev. 18:21) links Molech directly to chillul Hashem. Rambam explains that rejecting Molech is Kiddush Hashem, as it affirms loyalty to Hashem even at risk of death. Sefer HaChinuch insists that refraining from Molech declares sanctification of Hashem’s Name.

Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה

• Ramban notes Molech is placed in the section on holiness because it desecrates Israel’s sanctity. Sefer HaChinuch explains that holiness means elevating life, not destroying it. Midrash teaches that Israel’s kedushah rests on protecting the vulnerable, opposite of Molech.

Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

• Rambam states true awe is shown in fearing Hashem, not idols. Talmud (Sanhedrin 64a) stresses Molech is rebellion against Heaven’s fear. Ramban explains that reverence is corrupted when awe is misapplied to false gods.

Core Beliefs – יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

• Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Negative Commandment 7) includes Molech as a denial of ikarei emunah. Ramban describes it as dismantling Israel’s foundation of belief in Hashem as the sole Creator. Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that Torah protects ikarim by outlawing Molech.

Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

• Rambam rules Molech as betrayal of Hashem’s covenant. Rashi highlights that chillul Hashem here severs the direct bond with G-d. Ramban stresses that true deveikut excludes sacrificing children to idols.

Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ

• Sefer HaChinuch teaches Molech destroys communal trust by corrupting the sanctity of family. Rambam stresses that interpersonal bonds are shattered when parents betray their children. Midrash adds that such cruelty poisons the community, breaking Israel’s social fabric.