7

Not to profane His Name

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holiness – קְדוּשָּׁה

The prohibition is that we are forbidden from profaning G-d's Name. This corresponds to the commandment to sanctify G-d's Name, as we explained previously in Positive Commandment Nine.

This mitzvah forbids any action that would cause disgrace or dishonor to Hashem’s Name. It applies both in public sins that weaken faith and in behavior that brings shame upon Torah and its followers. Desecrating Hashem’s Name is considered among the gravest sins, as it undermines the very purpose of creation — that His greatness be known in the world.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:10–11): Any action by a Jew that diminishes the honor of Torah constitutes a desecration of Hashem’s Name.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 295): Teaches that a Chilul Hashem (desecration) occurs when one acts immorally or fails to live according to Torah values, causing others to scorn Hashem.
  • Talmud (Yoma 86a): Defines desecration as when one’s behavior in business or personal conduct causes people to say, “Woe to him who learned Torah.”
(Source: Chabad.org)
:פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר - וְלֹ֤א תְחַלְּלוּ֙ אֶת־שֵׁ֣ם קָדְשִׁ֔י וְנִ֨קְדַּשְׁתִּ֔י בְּת֖וֹךְ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל אֲנִ֥י יְהֹוָ֖ה מְקַדִּשְׁכֶֽם
Leviticus 22:32 - You shall not desecrate My Holy Name. I shall be sanctified amidst the children of Israel. I am the L-rd Who sanctifies you.

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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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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Covenant - בְּרִית

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Tied to the eternal covenant between G‑d and the Jewish people, including signs like brit milah and Shabbat.

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