Idol Worship -- A Prohibition for Jews and Non-Jews Alike

The Mitzvah of Believing Only in Hashem

Belief in Hashem alone and in no other god or power is one of the 613 mitzvot (commandments). The Torah tells us, "I am Hashem your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me" (Shemot 20:2).

The Sefer HaChinuch (Book of Commandments) explains the essence of this mitzvah: "That we should not believe in gods other than Hashem alone, and this commandment is the greatest principle of the Torah, upon which everything else depends, as our Sages stated: 'Recognizing idolatry as valid is equivalent to denying the entire Torah.'"

The Details of the Mitzvah

The Talmudic Sages defined the particulars of this commandment, including:

* The prohibition against reading books that deal with idolatry (its practices or any other matters related to it -- anything that might cause a person to believe in idols in any way).

* The prohibition against contemplating serving idols, even if only in one's heart.

* Items that a Jew may not sell to an idol worshipper (such as items that will be used in the course of idol worship).

* Laws regarding a city within which there are idols and those who worship them.

The Sages also detailed the laws applying to Jews who bowed down or worshipped idols, even if only once; Jews who admired an idol or idolatrous practice; Jews who worshipped an idol out of fear that it might otherwise harm them, even if they did not accept it as a deity; Jews who honored an idol in any way (such as by anointing it or placing clothing or shoes on it).

A Law for All Peoples

This mitzvah is obligatory for all men and women in all places and at all times. It is also obligatory for Jews and non-Jews alike, being one of the seven commandments (Shivah Mitzvot Bnei Noach) that all humans must observe.

Anyone who knowingly transgresses this mitzvah, after being warned of the prohibition, is put to death provided that at least two reliable witnesses testified to his deed.

If a person inadvertently transgressed this mitzvah, he must bring a sacrifice and repent his sin.