5

To fear Him

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

The source of this commandment is G-d's statement (exalted be He), "You shall fear G-d your Lord."

This mitzvah commands us to fear Hashem — not merely with dread, but with awe and reverence. Recognizing His greatness and our dependence on Him leads us to avoid sin and live with humility. Fear of Hashem is the safeguard of the Torah, ensuring that love does not turn into complacency. Together with love, it forms the balanced foundation of divine service.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:1): Awe comes from contemplating Hashem’s greatness and realizing our own smallness.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 432): Fear of Hashem restrains us from wrongdoing and motivates careful observance of mitzvot.
  • Talmud (Berachot 33b): Everything is in the hands of Heaven except for the fear of Heaven, highlighting its central importance.
(Source: Chabad.org)
:פָּרָשַׁת עֵקֶב - אֶת־יְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֶ֛יךָ תִּירָ֖א אֹת֣וֹ תַֽעֲבֹ֑ד וּב֣וֹ תִדְבָּ֔ק וּבִשְׁמ֖וֹ תִּשָּׁבֵֽעַ
Deuteronomy 10:20 - You shall fear the L-rd, your G-d, worship Him, and cleave to Him and swear by His Name.

This Mitzvah's Fundamentals

Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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Core Beliefs - יְסוֹדוֹת הָאֱמוּנָה

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Used for mitzvot that reflect Judaism’s foundational principles—belief in G-d, reward and punishment, prophecy, Torah from Heaven, and more. These commandments shape the lens through which all others are understood.

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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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