Not to perform acts of magic (Kishuf)
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to practice witchcraft or sorcery (kishuf), using supernatural rituals or manipulations to alter reality.
This mitzvah prohibits sorcery — acts of kishuf that attempt to manipulate reality through occult rituals, illusions, or demonic forces. Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:15) explains sorcery includes acts done to mislead others into believing one controls nature or fate. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a) states sorcerers attempt to “contradict the heavenly entourage,” creating illusions that disturb natural order. Rashi (Exod. 22:17) comments that sorcery undermines Hashem’s governance by claiming human power over the supernatural. Ramban (Deut. 18:10) distinguishes between sleight-of-hand tricks (not prohibited) and actual sorcery tied to idolatrous cults. Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 62 / 514 in other enumerations) stresses that sorcery corrupts faith, drawing people away from Torah and into superstition. Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 9) highlights that sorcery denies prophecy, replacing Hashem’s word with deceit.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Lo Ta’aseh 32; Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:15): Prohibits kishuf, defining it as deceptive acts claiming supernatural power.
- Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a): Describes sorcerers as those who “contradict the heavenly entourage” through illusions.
- Rashi (Exod. 22:17): Notes sorcery’s severity, warranting capital punishment, because it undermines Hashem’s rule.
- Ramban (Deut. 18:10): Explains sorcery as tied to idolatrous cults; distinguishes it from harmless tricks.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 514): Teaches that sorcery plants false beliefs and weakens emunah.
- Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 9): Contrasts sorcery with prophecy, stressing that Israel must reject occult powers in favor of Hashem’s word.
Contrast with…
- Mitzvah 63 (Not to Mutter Incantations): Incantations use speech; sorcery employs actions and rituals.
- Rambam: Sorcery involves symbolic acts (burning, mixing, rituals) that deceive people into attributing supernatural power.
Parallel to…
- Prophecy (Mitzvah 9): Sorcery is framed as the antithesis of prophecy — fraudulent voices vs. Divine truth.
- Exodus 7:11–12: Egyptian magicians opposing Moshe’s miracles, an early biblical contrast between sorcery and Divine power.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Occult Practices and Witchcraft
- Rambam (Avodat Kochavim 11:15) forbids sorcery as illusions. Modern witchcraft, spell-casting, and rituals invoking forces mirror biblical sorcery.
“Energy Manipulation” and Ritual Magic
- Sefer HaChinuch (514) stresses sorcery undermines emunah. Practices such as ritual energy spells, hexes, or curses parallel ancient kishuf.
Illusion vs. Trickery
- Ramban distinguishes trickery from sorcery. Magic shows for entertainment are permitted, but presenting illusions as real spiritual powers is forbidden.
New Age Rituals and Pagan Revivals
- Midrash Tanchuma warns sorcery replaces prophecy. Neo-pagan rituals, Wiccan ceremonies, or occult invocations are contemporary parallels.
Digital Witchcraft Communities
- Online “spell exchanges,” digital curses, and virtual occult groups replicate ancient sorcery through new platforms. They cultivate the same prohibited mindset of control through rituals.
Healthy Alternatives
- Torah permits medicine, science, and rational practice. Rambam teaches (Moreh Nevuchim III:37) that we must pursue natural wisdom, not occult illusions. Jewish alternatives include tefillah, mitzvot, and Torah study as true sources of blessing.
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Idolatry – עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:15) classifies sorcery as avodah zarah since it imitates pagan cult practices. Ramban (Deut. 18:10) stresses that sorcery’s roots lie in idolatrous attempts to manipulate the world through spiritual powers other than Hashem.
Thought – מַחֲשָׁבָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (514) explains sorcery corrupts thought by instilling false beliefs in rituals. Rambam calls these divrei sheker that distract from Torah wisdom. The mitzvah disciplines the mind to trust Hashem’s order.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rashi (Exod. 22:17) highlights the capital severity of sorcery because it undermines emunah. Rambam stresses that faith in Hashem is weakened when people believe humans control supernatural powers.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Midrash Tanchuma (Shoftim 9) contrasts sorcery with prophecy. Observing this mitzvah builds awe of Hashem, not fear of occult powers.
Prophecy – נְבוּאָה
- Ramban (Deut. 18:15) notes prophecy was given to replace sorcery. The Talmud contrasts false voices of sorcerers with the true voice of prophets, reaffirming that Divine guidance is the only valid channel.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam emphasizes that Israel’s kedushah requires rejecting sorcery. This mitzvah elevates the nation by purifying them from pagan influences.
Speech – דָּבָר
- Sorcery often combines incantations with rituals. Talmud (Sanhedrin 67a) describes whispered words alongside actions. The mitzvah sanctifies Jewish speech, reserving it for prayer, Torah, and truth.
Between a person and G-d – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Rambam stresses that sorcery is a betrayal of Hashem’s covenant. The mitzvah preserves the direct bond between Jew and Hashem, without foreign rituals or false powers.
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