The Prohibition of Misleading Others

Deception (geneivat da'at) is a serious prohibition involving misleading or impersonating with the aim of causing someone to believe something that is not true. This includes giving others a false impression about one's true intentions toward them.

It should be noted that the prohibition of deception applies when a person causes deception through their actions and does something specific toward this end. However, if the other person mistakenly comes to the conclusion that someone did something special for them when that person made no attempt to make them believe that, they are not considered guilty of deception.

The mitzvah: "Do not steal" (Vayikra 19:11) also includes the prohibition against deception. This is reflected in Lavan's words to Yaakov Avinu (our forefather Jacob): "Why did you flee secretly and deceive me?" (Bereishit 31:27). Rashi explains: "You stole my mind (deceived me)."

Although it is not explicitly stated that there is a prohibition in this matter, the Tosefta (Bava Kamma 7:3) specifically states: "There are seven types of thieves, and the first among them is one who steals the mind of others."

The source for this prohibition is stated in the Talmud (Chullin 94a): "Shmuel said, it is forbidden to deceive people, even a non-Jew." The Gemara brings various examples, such as not selling non-kosher meat to a non-Jew under the pretense that it is kosher, and not urging someone to dine with you when you know with certainty that they will not come.

And so the Rambam rules: "It is forbidden for a person to conduct himself with flattery and seduction. One should not say one thing with his mouth and think another in his heart, but rather his inside should be like his outside ... And it is forbidden to deceive people, even non-Jews" (Mishneh Torah, Book of Knowledge, Laws of Character, Chapter 2).

Practical examples of observing this commandment:

Cheating on tests:

Cheating on tests is deception as it misleads others into thinking that one's achievements are greater than they actually are. It is an act of deceit that damages trust.

Invitation to a meal

Deception can also manifest in seemingly harmless everyday situations, such as urging someone to dine with you when you know they have no intention of accepting the invitation.

Deception in matchmaking:

Presenting yourself differently from who you really are in matchmaking is considered deceiving the other party and the matchmakers. This includes providing false information about one's level of education, one's family, occupation, and so forth.

Deception in publishing inaccurate information:

Publishing inaccurate or distorted information to promote ideas or sales deceives readers and the general public. This damages publishing credibility and professional respect.

Using products without paying:

Using products or services for free when one has no intention of paying for them, such as using event tickets or public transportation illegally, is considered deceitful.

Presenting products in a misleading way:

Presenting a product in a false light in advertisements, such as showcasing advantages that don't exist or concealing significant defects, is considered deceiving consumers.

Let's start today by maintaining honesty in our everyday lives and remembering that even our smallest actions can affect society as a whole. Let's build a society where everyone can trust others and where we conduct ourselves with honesty and respect.