Halacha
הלכה א
עִקַּר הַצִּוּוּי בַּעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים שֶׁלֹּא לַעֲבֹד אֶחָד מִכָּל הַבְּרוּאִים לֹא מַלְאָךְ וְלֹא גַּלְגַּל וְלֹא כּוֹכָב וְלֹא אֶחָד מֵאַרְבָּעָה הַיְסוֹדוֹת וְלֹא אֶחָד מִכָּל הַנִּבְרָאִים מֵהֶן. וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהָעוֹבֵד יוֹדֵעַ שֶׁה' הוּא הָאֱלֹהִים וְהוּא עוֹבֵד הַנִּבְרָא הַזֶּה עַל דֶּרֶךְ שֶׁעָבַד אֱנוֹשׁ וְאַנְשֵׁי דּוֹרוֹ תְּחִלָּה הֲרֵי זֶה עוֹבֵד כּוֹכָבִים. וְעִנְיָן זֶה הוּא שֶׁהִזְהִירָה תּוֹרָה עָלָיו וְאָמְרָה (דברים ד יט) "וּפֶן תִּשָּׂא עֵינֶיךָ הַשָּׁמַיְמָה וְרָאִיתָ אֶת הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ" וְגוֹ' (דברים ד יט) "אֲשֶׁר חָלַק ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ אֹתָם לְכָל הָעַמִּים". כְּלוֹמַר שֶׁמָּא תָּשׁוּט בְּעֵין לִבְּךָ וְתִרְאֶה שֶׁאֵלּוּ הֵן הַמַּנְהִיגִים אֶת הָעוֹלָם וְהֵם שֶׁחָלַק ה' אוֹתָם לְכָל הָעוֹלָם לִהְיוֹת חַיִּים וְהוֹוִים וְאֵינָם נִפְסָדִים כְּמִנְהָגוֹ שֶׁל עוֹלָם וְתֹאמַר שֶׁרָאוּי לְהִשְׁתַּחֲווֹת לָהֶם וּלְעָבְדָן. וּבָעִנְיָן הַזֶּה צִוָּה וְאָמַר (דברים יא טז) "הִשָּׁמְרוּ לָכֶם פֶּן יִפְתֶּה לְבַבְכֶם". כְּלוֹמַר שֶׁלֹּא תִּטְּעוּ בְּהִרְהוּר הַלֵּב לַעֲבֹד אֵלּוּ לִהְיוֹת סַרְסוּר בֵּינֵיכֶם וּבֵין הַבּוֹרֵא:
כסף משנה
1.
The essence of the commandment [forbidding] the worship of false gods is not to serve any of the creations,1The Rambam counts the prohibition against worshiping false gods as the first of the 365 negative commandments. In these halachot, he does not mention this prohibition in the manner in which he usually introduces one of the 613 mitzvot in this text, because he introduced this prohibition previously in the Mishneh Torah, mentioning it in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:6. The inclusion of this mitzvah in those halachot is appropriate, because it is one of the foundations of our faith. not an angel, a sphere, or a star,2See Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah, Chapters 2 and 3, for a description of these creations. none of the four fundamental elements,3fire, wind, water, and earth. The Rambam describes the existence and function of these four fundamental elements in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah, Chapters 3 and 4. nor any entity created from them.4All the creations of our physical world are created from a combination of these four elements. Even if the person worshiping knows that ‘ה is the [true] God and serves the creation in the manner in which Enosh and the people of his generation worshiped [the stars] originally,5as the Rambam mentioned in Chapter 1, Halachah 1. he is considered to be an idol worshiper.6and is subject to the punishments mentioned in Chapter 3, Halachah 1.The Torah warns us about this, saying [Deuteronomy 4:19]: "Lest you lift your eyes heavenward and see the sun, the moon, and the stars... [and bow down and worship them], the entities which God apportioned to all the nations." - As mentioned in the previous chapter, there are some authorities who, using this verse as a proof-text, do not prohibit gentiles from worshiping false gods with this intent. However, all authorities agree that Jews may not worship in this manner.
The Torah warns us about this, saying [Deuteronomy 4:19]: "Lest you lift your eyes heavenward and see the sun, the moon, and the stars... [and bow down and worship them], the entities which God apportioned to all the nations." This7should not be interpreted simply as forbidding us to gaze at the celestial beings (Sefer HaMitzvot, Negative Commandment 10), but rather implies that you might inquire with "the eye of the heart" and it might appear to you that these entities control the world,8because they do perform essential functions within the natural order having been apportioned by God to all the nations to be alive,9See Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 3:9, which states that the stars and the spheres are alive and are conscious of God's existence. to exist, and not to cease existence, as is the pattern of [the other creations with] the world.10In the first chapters of the Guide for the Perplexed, Vol. II, and briefly in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 4:3, the Rambam explains that all the creations of this world are combinations of different elements and will therefore ultimately return to their initial elemental state. In contrast, the existence of the stars and the spheres remains constant. Therefore, you might say that it is worthy to bow down to them and worship them.11to "honor those who God honors," as mentioned in Chapter 1, Halachah 1, or to derive benefit from serving them, as mentioned in Halachah 2 of that chapter.
For this reason, [Deuteronomy 11:16] commands: "Be very careful - The words "Be very careful" imply a prohibition stemming from the Torah. In Halachah 3, the Rambam describes the prohibition involved in harboring such thoughts.
For this reason, [Deuteronomy 11:16] commands: "Be very careful that your heart not be tempted [to go astray and worship other gods]." This implies that the thoughts of your heart should not lead you astray to worship these and make them an intermediary between you and the Creator.12Note the fifth of the Rambam's Thirteen Principles of Faith (Commentary on the Mishnah, Sanhedrin, Chapter 10):
The fifth fundamental principle is that it is fit to serve God alone... and not the entities who are below Him: the angels, the stars, the spheres, or the fundamental elements.This is because they all perform their functions because of their inherent nature. They have no control or choice, but merely [fulfill] God's will.We should not make them intermediaries to reach Him through them, but rather direct all our thoughts to Him, paying no attention to anything else. This is the... prohibition against worshiping false gods.
הלכה ב
סְפָרִים רַבִּים חִבְּרוּ עוֹבְדֵי כּוֹכָבִים בַּעֲבוֹדָתָהּ הֵיאַךְ עִקַּר עֲבוֹדָתָהּ וּמַה מַּעֲשֶׂיהָ וּמִשְׁפָּטֶיהָ. צִוָּנוּ הַקָּדוֹשׁ בָּרוּךְ הוּא שֶׁלֹּא לִקְרוֹת בְּאוֹתָן הַסְּפָרִים כְּלָל וְלֹא נְהַרְהֵר בָּהּ וְלֹא בְּדָבָר מִדְּבָרֶיהָ. וַאֲפִלּוּ לְהִסְתַּכֵּל בִּדְמוּת הַצּוּרָה אָסוּר שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא יט ד) "אַל תִּפְנוּ אֶל הָאֱלִילִים". וּבָעִנְיָן הַזֶּה נֶאֱמַר (דברים יב ל) "וּפֶן תִּדְרשׁ לֵאלֹהֵיהֶם לֵאמֹר אֵיכָה יַעַבְדוּ", שֶׁלֹּא תִּשְׁאַל עַל דֶּרֶךְ עֲבוֹדָתָהּ הֵיאַךְ הִיא אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאֵין אַתָּה עוֹבְדָהּ, שֶׁדָּבָר זֶה גּוֹרֵם לְהִפָּנוֹת אַחֲרֶיהָ וְלַעֲשׂוֹת כְּמָה שֶׁהֵן עוֹשִׂין שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְאֶעֱשֶׂה כֵּן גַּם אָנִי:
כסף משנה
2.
The worshipers of false gods have composed many texts concerning their service, [describing] what is the essence of their service, what practices are involved, and what are its statutes.1The commentaries have also included studying other books by pagans and nonbelievers in this prohibition. The Holy One, blessed be He, has commanded us not to read those books at all,2See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah (Avot 2:17), which states that one may study "the ideas of the gentiles in order to reply to them." Indeed, from the Guide for the Perplexed, Vol. III, Chapters 29 and 30, it appears that the Rambam himself undertook such study. (The Rabbis have, nevertheless, suggested that such study be limited only to certain individuals who have received permission from a rabbinic authority to concern themselves with these issues.)Note also Chapter 3, Halachah 2, and Hilchot Sanhedrin 2:1, which state that judges must be somewhat familiar with the rites of the pagans in order to judge cases dealing with such questions. There is no source, however, where the Rambam explicitly mentions that one may study about idol worship for this reason. (See Shabbat 75a and Siftei Cohen, Yoreh De'ah 179:29.) nor to think about them or any matters involved with them.3The Zohar, Vol. I, 100a, mentions this prohibition together with its rationale, "lest your heart be tempted to this service."
It is even forbidden to look at the image of an idol,4Note Sefer HaMitzvot (Negative Commandment 10) and Tosafot (Shabbat 149a), which explain that this prohibition applies only to statues worshiped as idols, in contrast to Rashi (Shabbat, ibid.), who explains that it refers even to statues erected for decorative purposes. as [Leviticus 19:4] states: "Do not turn to the idols."5Note the comments of the Sifra on this verse, "If you turn to them, you will make them gods." In this regard, [Deuteronomy 12:30] states:6speaking to the Jews as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael: "[Be careful]... lest you seek to find out about their gods, saying, 'How did they serve them.'7See Sefer HaMitzvot (Negative Commandment 10), which defines this prohibition as "analytical thought and study concerning the fantasies and empty thoughts of the founders [of idol worship] - i.e., that spiritual nurture can be drawn down from this star in this manner, it is proper to burn incense to this star in this manner...." This prohibits inquiring about the nature of their service even if you, yourself, do not8have an intent to serve them.9These enquiries are prohibited because This matter will ultimately cause you to turn to [the false god] and worship it as they do, as [the above verse continues]: "so that I will do the same."10Here, abstract intellectual curiosity is forbidden. The Rambam operates under the premise that there is nothing positive that can be learned from idol worshipers, and there is a danger that one will be attracted to their lifestyle. Therefore, since there is "nothing to gain and everything to lose," inquiry about such subjects is forbidden.
הלכה ג
וְכָל הַלָּאוִין הָאֵלּוּ בְּעִנְיָן אֶחָד הֵן וְהוּא שֶׁלֹּא יִפְנֶה אַחַר עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים וְכָל הַנִּפְנֶה אַחֲרֶיהָ בְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁהוּא עוֹשֶׂה בּוֹ מַעֲשֶׂה הֲרֵי זֶה לוֹקֶה. וְלֹא עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים בִּלְבַד הוּא שֶׁאָסוּר לְהִפָּנוֹת אַחֲרֶיהָ בְּמַחֲשָׁבָה אֶלָּא כָּל מַחֲשָׁבָה שֶׁהוּא גּוֹרֵם לוֹ לָאָדָם לַעֲקֹר עִקָּר מֵעִקְּרֵי הַתּוֹרָה מֻזְהָרִין אָנוּ שֶׁלֹּא לְהַעֲלוֹתָהּ עַל לִבֵּנוּ וְלֹא נַסִּיחַ דַּעְתֵּנוּ לְכָךְ וְנַחְשֹׁב וְנִמָּשֵׁךְ אַחַר הִרְהוּרֵי הַלֵּב. מִפְּנֵי שֶׁדַּעְתּוֹ שֶׁל אָדָם קְצָרָה וְלֹא כָּל הַדֵּעוֹת יְכוֹלִין לְהַשִּׂיג הָאֱמֶת עַל בֻּרְיוֹ. וְאִם יִמָּשֵׁךְ כָּל אָדָם אַחַר מַחְשְׁבוֹת לִבּוֹ נִמְצָא מַחֲרִיב אֶת הָעוֹלָם לְפִי קֹצֶר דַּעְתּוֹ. כֵּיצַד. פְּעָמִים יָתוּר אַחַר עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים וּפְעָמִים יַחְשֹׁב בְּיִחוּד הַבּוֹרֵא שֶׁמָּא הוּא שֶׁמָּא אֵינוֹ. מַה לְּמַעְלָה וּמַה לְּמַטָּה מַה לְּפָנִים וּמַה לְּאָחוֹר. וּפְעָמִים בַּנְּבוּאָה שֶׁמָּא הִיא אֱמֶת שֶׁמָּא הִיא אֵינָהּ. וּפְעָמִים בַּתּוֹרָה שֶׁמָּא הִיא מִן הַשָּׁמַיִם שֶׁמָּא אֵינָהּ. וְאֵינוֹ יוֹדֵעַ הַמִּדּוֹת שֶׁיָּדִין בָּהֶן עַד שֶׁיֵּדַע הָאֱמֶת עַל בֻּרְיוֹ וְנִמְצָא יוֹצֵא לִידֵי מִינוּת. וְעַל עִנְיָן זֶה הִזְהִירָה תּוֹרָה וְנֶאֱמַר בָּהּ (במדבר טו לט) "וְלֹא תָתֻרוּ אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם אֲשֶׁר אַתֶּם זֹנִים". כְּלוֹמַר לֹא יִמָּשֵׁךְ כָּל אֶחָד מִכֶּם אַחַר דַּעְתּוֹ הַקְּצָרָה וִידַמֶּה שֶׁמַּחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ מַשֶּׂגֶת הָאֱמֶת. כָּךְ אָמְרוּ חֲכָמִים (גמרא ברכות יב ב) "אַחֲרֵי לְבַבְכֶם זוֹ מִינוּת" וְאַחֲרֵי עֵינֵיכֶם זוֹ זְנוּת. וְלָאו זֶה אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁהוּא גּוֹרֵם לָאָדָם לְטָרְדוֹ מִן הָעוֹלָם הַבָּא אֵין בּוֹ מַלְקוֹת:
כסף משנה
3.
All these prohibitions1mentioned in this and the above two halachot. have one common thrust: that one should not pay attention to idol worship.2Sefer HaMitzvot (Negative Commandment 10) andSefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 213) count this as one of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah. Whoever performs a deed3e.g., in his curiosity, uncovers an image to see what it looks like (Maharshal) or performs a ceremonial act of idol worship merely as practice (Mishneh Kessef).The Rambam's statements here are used as support to negate the opinion of the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 345), which states that lashes are never given for the violation of a prohibition that can be transgressed without performing a deed, even when one violates it by committing a deed. that reflects his concern with [idol worship] receives lashes [as punishment].4Punishment is administered only for the violation of prohibitions by actual deeds. In this instance, the prohibition can be violated by thought alone - in which case no punishment is administered. There are, however, also instances when deed - and thus punishment - is also involved.
Eruvin 17b notes that even though the proof-text for this prohibition mentions the word אל rather than לא, it is no different from other Torah prohibitions, and its violation is also punished by lashes.
The worship of false gods is not the only subject to which we are forbidden to pay attention;5Note the Introduction to Sefer HaMitzvot (Shoresh 9), which states that there are mitzvot of thought, of feeling, of speech, and of deed. rather, we are warned not to consider any thought which will cause us to uproot one of the fundamentals of the Torah. We should not turn our minds to these matters, think about them, or be drawn after the thoughts of our hearts.6Sefer HaMitzvot (Negative Commandment 47) defines this mitzvah as follows:
We are forbidden to be freethinking [to the extent that] we accept principles which run contrary to those of the Torah. Rather, we should structure our thoughts, setting for them guidelines, those being the mitzvot of the Torah.The Rambam explains the reason for these prohibitions:
In general, people have limited powers of understanding, and not all minds are capable of appreciating the truth in its fullness.7See also Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 2:12, 4:11,13, where the Rambam mentions the restrictions placed on the study of deeper spiritual concepts lest one err in his conception. [Accordingly,] were a person to follow the thoughts of his heart, it is possible that he would destroy the world because of his limited understanding.8There are several ways to understand the expression used by the Rambam: "destroy the world." On the most obvious level, it is a figurative expression, not to be interpreted literally. On a deeper level, it can be seen as a reference to his statements in Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4 that a person should always "see himself and the entire world as equally balanced between merit and sin. If he commits one sin, he tips his balance and that of the entire world to guilt and brings on destruction."
Today, we can appreciate the Rambam's words in a very literal sense. Society as a whole is plagued by irrational acts of violence. and on a global level it is possible for utter destruction to be brought about if a few individuals act irresponsibly.
What is implied? There are times when a person will stray after star worship,9and consider it beneficial and10there are times when he will wonder about God's oneness: Perhaps He is one, perhaps He is not?11In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Introduction to the Tenth Chapter of Sanhedrin), the Rambam lists the oneness of God as the second of his Thirteen Principles of Faith. See also Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 1:7, 2:10. [He might also wonder:] What exists above, [in the heavenly realms]? What exists below [them]? What was before time? What will be after time?12Our translation is based on Rashi's interpretation of Chaggigah, ibid. Similarly, [one might wonder about] prophecy: Perhaps it is true, perhaps it is not?13In Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 7:1, the Rambam states: "It is [one] of the foundations of [our] faith that God communicates by prophecy with man." Similarly, the Rambam lists the concept of prophecy as the sixth of his Thirteen Principles of Faith. And [one may also wonder]14Chaggigah 11b states: "It would have been better for someone who considers the [following] four matters never to have been created." The passage continues by mentioning the four questions quoted by the Rambam here. about the Torah: Perhaps it emanates from God, perhaps it does not?15As the eighth of his Thirteen Principles of Faith, the Rambam states: "The Torah which we have was given by Moses our teacher... and emanates - in its entirety - from the Almighty." He explains that this also applies to the oral law. He reiterates this concept in his introduction to the Mishneh Torah.
Since he may not know the guidelines with which to evaluate [ideas that will lead him] to the truth in its fullness, he may come to heresy.16The Rambam's statements should be interpreted, not as a restriction of one's thinking processes, but rather a call to structure our thoughts according to the guidelines provided for us by the Torah.
In this context, it is worthy to refer to Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 4:13:
I maintain that it is not proper for a person to stroll in the Pardes (study Torah's mystic secrets) unless he has filled his belly with bread and meat. "Bread and meat" refer to the knowledge of what is permitted and what is forbidden, and similar matters concerning other mitzvot. Even though the Sages referred to these as "a small matter" - since our Sages said: "'A great matter,' this is Ma'aseh Merkavah. 'A small matter,' this is the debates of Abbaye and Ravva" - nevertheless, it is fitting for them to be given precedence, because they settle a person's mind.
Thus, the Rambam teaches that a person should not embark on the study of deep spiritual questions until he has gained the intellectual maturity which comes from Torah study. Even after a person gains such maturity, there is no need for him to concern himself with the study of idol worship because there is no value which he can derive from such study.
The Torah has warned about this matter, saying [Numbers 15:39]: "Do not stray after your hearts and eyes, which have led you to immorality" - Sefer HaMitzvot (Negative Commandment 47) and Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 387) counts this as one of the 613 mitzvot of the Torah.
i.e., each one of you should not follow his limited powers of understanding and think that he has comprehended the truth. - Instead, he should follow a structured pattern for intellectual growth and development prescribed by a Torah master.
Our Sages - Sifre, Sh'lach. (See also Berachot 12b.)
[interpreted this warning]: "After your hearts," this refers to heresy - For a more precise definition of the term minut, see Halachah 5 and the commentary.
"after your eyes," this refers to immorality. - In Sefer HaMitzvot (ibid.), the Rambam explains:
Their intent in mentioning "immorality" was the pursuit of pleasure and physical desire, [to the extent that] one's mind is constantly preoccupied with such thoughts.
This prohibition - though [severe,] causing a person to be prevented [from attaining a portion] in the world to come - In Hilchot Teshuvah 3:8, the Rambam includes among the categories of those who have no portion in the world to come: "nonbelievers, heretics, those who deny the Torah,... those who cause the many to sin, and those who depart from the ways of the community." Following the whims of one's heart can lead to the transgression of these prohibitions.
is not punishable by lashes - because it does not involve a deed.
There is some difficulty with the Rambam's statements. The transgression of both of the prohibitions mentioned in this halachah involves thought and can also involve deed. Just as the commentaries suggested several deeds which violate the first prohibition, similar acts could be performed which violate the latter prohibition. The Rambam, however, appears to imply that there is no way that the latter prohibition could be transgressed in a manner warranting punishment. The Torah has warned about this matter, saying [Numbers 15:39]: "Do not stray after your hearts and eyes, which have led you to immorality" - i.e., each one of you should not follow his limited powers of understanding and think that he has comprehended the truth.
Our Sages [interpreted this warning]: "After your hearts," this refers to heresy; "after your eyes," this refers to immorality. This prohibition - though [severe,] causing a person to be prevented [from attaining a portion] in the world to come - is not punishable by lashes.
הלכה ד
מִצְוַת עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים כְּנֶגֶד הַמִּצְוֹת כֻּלָּן הִיא שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר טו כב) "וְכִי תִשְׁגּוּ וְלֹא תַעֲשׂוּ אֵת כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת" וְגוֹ' וּמִפִּי הַשְּׁמוּעָה לָמְדוּ שֶׁבַּעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים הַכָּתוּב מְדַבֵּר. הָא לָמַדְתָּ שֶׁכָּל הַמּוֹדֶה בַּעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים כּוֹפֵר בְּכָל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ וּבְכָל הַנְּבִיאִים וּבְכָל מַה שֶּׁנִּצְטַוּוּ הַנְּבִיאִים מֵאָדָם וְעַד סוֹף הָעוֹלָם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר טו כג) "מִן הַיּוֹם אֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה' וָהָלְאָה לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶם". וְכָל הַכּוֹפֵר בַּעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים מוֹדֶה בְּכָל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ וּבְכָל הַנְּבִיאִים וּבְכָל מַה שֶּׁנִּצְטַוּוּ הַנְּבִיאִים מֵאָדָם וְעַד סוֹף הָעוֹלָם וְהוּא עִקַּר כָּל הַמִּצְוֹת כֻּלָּן:
כסף משנה
4.
The commandment [forbidding] the worship of false gods is equivalent to all the mitzvot, as [implied by Numbers 15:22]: "Lest you err and not perform all the mitzvot...." The oral tradition teaches that the verse refers to the worship of false gods. Thus, we learn that anyone who acknowledges a false god denies the entire Torah in its totality, all the works of the prophets, and everything that has been commanded to the prophets from Adam, [the first man,] until eternity, as [Numbers 15:23] continues: "...from the day God issued His commandments and afterwards, for your future generations."[Conversely,] anyone who denies the worship of false gods acknowledges the entire Torah in its totality, all the works of the prophets, and everything that has been commanded to the prophets from Adam, [the first man,] until eternity. [This acknowledgement] is fundamental to all of the mitzvot.
הלכה ה
יִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁעָבַד עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים הֲרֵי הוּא כְּעוֹבֵד כּוֹכָבִים לְכָל דְּבָרָיו וְאֵינוֹ כְּיִשְׂרָאֵל שֶׁעוֹבֵר עֲבֵרָה שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהּ סְקִילָה. מוּמָר לַעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים הֲרֵי הוּא מוּמָר לְכָל הַתּוֹרָה כֻּלָּהּ. וְכֵן הָאֶפִּיקוֹרְסִים מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל אֵינָן כְּיִשְׂרָאֵל לְדָבָר מִן הַדְּבָרִים וְאֵין מְקַבְּלִים אוֹתָם בִּתְשׁוּבָה לְעוֹלָם שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ב יט) "כָּל בָּאֶיהָ לֹא יְשׁוּבוּן וְלֹא יַשִּׂיגוּ אָרְחוֹת חַיִּים". וְהָאֶפִּיקוֹרְסִים הֵם הַתָּרִים אַחַר מַחְשְׁבוֹת לִבָּם בְּסִכְלוּת דְּבָרִים שֶׁאָמַרְנוּ עַד שֶׁנִּמְצְאוּ עוֹבְרִים עַל גּוּפֵי תּוֹרָה לְהַכְעִיס בִּשְׁאָט נֶפֶשׁ בְּיָד רָמָה וְאוֹמְרִים שֶׁאֵין בָּזֶה עָוֹן. וְאָסוּר לְסַפֵּר עִמָּהֶן וּלְהָשִׁיב עֲלֵיהֶן תְּשׁוּבָה כְּלָל שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (משלי ה ח) "וְאַל תִּקְרַב אֶל פֶּתַח בֵּיתָהּ". וּמַחֲשָׁבָה שֶׁל אֶפִּיקוֹרוֹס לַעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים:
כסף משנה
5.
A Jew who serves false gods is considered like a gentile in all regards and is not comparable to a Jew who violated another transgression punishable by being stoned to death. An apostate who worships false gods is considered to be an apostate with regard to the entire Torah.Similarly, Jewish minnim are not considered to be Jews with regard to any matter. Their repentance should never be accepted, as [implied by Proverbs 2:19]: "None that go to her repent, nor will they regain the paths of life."
The minnim are those who stray after the thoughts of their hearts, concerning themselves with the foolish matters mentioned above, until they ultimately transgress against the body of Torah [law] arrogantly, with scorn, with the intent of provoking God's anger, and yet say that there is no sin involved.
It is forbidden to talk to them or to reply to them at all, as [Proverbs 5:8] states: "Do not come close to her door." [It can be assumed that] a min's thoughts are concerned with false gods.
הלכה ו
כָּל הַמּוֹדֶה בַּעֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים שֶׁהִיא אֱמֶת אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא עֲבָדָהּ הֲרֵי זֶה מְחָרֵף וּמְגַדֵּף אֶת הַשֵּׁם הַנִּכְבָּד וְהַנּוֹרָא. וְאֶחָד הָעוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים וְאֶחָד הַמְגַדֵּף אֶת ה' שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (במדבר טו ל) "וְהַנֶּפֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה בְּיָד רָמָה מִן הָאֶזְרָח וּמִן הַגֵּר אֶת ה' הוּא מְגַדֵּף". לְפִיכָךְ תּוֹלִין עוֹבֵד עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים כְּמוֹ שֶׁתּוֹלִין אֶת הַמְגַדֵּף וּשְׁנֵיהֶם נִסְקָלִין. וּמִפְּנֵי זֶה כָּלַלְתִּי דִּין הַמְגַדֵּף בְּהִלְכוֹת עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים שֶׁשְּׁנֵיהֶם כּוֹפְרִים בָּעִקָּר הֵם:
כסף משנה
6.
Whoever accepts a false god as true, even when he does not actually worship it, disgraces and blasphemes [God's] glorious and awesome name. This applies both to one who worships false gods and to one who curses God's name [as is obvious from Numbers 15:30]: "If a person commits [an act of idolatry] highhandedly, whether he be a native born [Jew] or a convert, he is blaspheming God."Therefore, a person who worships false gods is to be hanged, just as one who blasphemes against God is hanged. Both are executed by being stoned to death. Therefore, I have included the laws applying to a blasphemer in Hilchot Avodat Kochavim. Both deny the fundamental principle [of Jewish faith].
הלכה ז
וְאֵלּוּ הֵן דִּינֵי הַמְגַדֵּף. אֵין הַמְגַדֵּף חַיָּב סְקִילָה עַד שֶׁיְּפָרֵשׁ אֶת הַשֵּׁם הַמְיֻחָד שֶׁל אַרְבַּע אוֹתִיּוֹת שֶׁהוּא אָלֶ''ף דָּלֶ''ת נוּ''ן יוּ''ד וִיבָרֵךְ אוֹתוֹ בְּשֵׁם מִן הַשֵּׁמוֹת שֶׁאֵינָם נִמְחָקִים שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כד טז) "וְנֹקֵב שֵׁם ה'", עַל הַשֵּׁם הַמְיֻחָד חַיָּב סְקִילָה וְעַל שְׁאָר הַכִּנּוּיִים בְּאַזְהָרָה. וְיֵשׁ מִי שֶׁמְּפָרֵשׁ שֶׁאֵינוֹ חַיָּב אֶלָּא עַל שֵׁם יוּ''ד הֵ''א וָא''ו הֵ''א וַאֲנִי אוֹמֵר שֶׁעַל שְׁנֵיהֶם הוּא נִסְקָל:
כסף משנה
7.
These are the laws which govern a blasphemer: A blasphemer is not liable to be stoned to death until he states God's unique name, which possesses four letters: א-ד-נ-י, and curses that name with one of the names of God which are forbidden to be erased, as [Leviticus 24:16] states: "One who blasphemes God's name...."One is obligated to be stoned to death for blaspheming God's unique name. [Should he blaspheme] the other names for God, he [transgresses] a prohibition.
There are those who state that one is liable [for execution] only when one blasphemes the name י-ה-ו-ה. I, however, maintain that one should be stoned to death in both instances.
הלכה ח
אַזְהָרָה שֶׁל מְגַדֵּף מִנַּיִן שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמות כב כז) "אֱלֹהִים לֹא תְקַלֵּל". בְּכָל יוֹם וָיוֹם בּוֹדְקִין אֶת הָעֵדִים בְּכִנּוּיִים יַכֶּה יוֹסִי אֶת יוֹסִי. נִגְמַר הַדִּין מוֹצִיאִין אֶת כָּל אָדָם לַחוּץ וְשׁוֹאֲלִים אֶת הַגָּדוֹל שֶׁבָּעֵדִים וְאוֹמְרִים לוֹ אֱמֹר מַה שֶּׁשָּׁמַעְתָּ בְּפֵרוּשׁ וְהוּא אוֹמֵר וְהַדַּיָּנִים עוֹמְדִים עַל רַגְלֵיהֶם וְקוֹרְעִין וְלֹא מְאַחִין. וְהָעֵד הַשֵּׁנִי אוֹמֵר אַף אֲנִי כְּמוֹתוֹ שָׁמַעְתִּי. וְאִם הָיוּ עֵדִים רַבִּים צָרִיךְ כָּל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד מֵהֶן לוֹמַר כָּזֶה שָׁמַעְתִּי:
כסף משנה
8.
Which verse serves as the warning prohibiting blasphemy? [Exodus 22:27]: "Do not curse God."[The procedure for the trial of a blasphemer is as follows:] Each day [when] the witnesses are questioned, [they use] other terms for God's name, [stating,] "May Yosse strike Yosse." At the conclusion of the judgment, all bystanders are removed [from the courtroom]. The judges question the witness of greatest stature and tell him, "Tell us what you heard explicitly." He relates [the curse]. The judges stand upright and rend their garments. They may not mend them [afterwards].
The second witness states: "I also heard as he did." If there are many witnesses, they must all say, "I heard the same."
הלכה ט
מְגַדֵּף שֶׁחָזַר בּוֹ בְּתוֹךְ כְּדֵי דִּבּוּר אֵינוֹ כְּלוּם אֶלָּא כֵּיוָן שֶׁגִּדֵּף בְּעֵדִים נִסְקָל. מִי שֶׁגִּדֵּף אֶת הַשֵּׁם בְּשֵׁם עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים קַנָּאִים פּוֹגְעִים בּוֹ וְהוֹרְגִים אוֹתוֹ. וְאִם לֹא הֲרָגוּהוּ קַנָּאִים וּבָא לְבֵית דִּין אֵינוֹ נִסְקָל עַד שֶׁיְּבָרֵךְ בְּשֵׁם מִן הַשֵּׁמוֹת הַמְיֻחָדִים:
כסף משנה
9.
[The fact that] a blasphemer retracts his statements in the midst of speaking is of no consequence. Rather, once he utters blasphemy in the presence of witnesses, he is [liable for execution by] stoning.Should a person curse God's name with the name of a false god, the zealous may strike him and slay him. If the zealous do not slay him and he is brought to court, he is not [condemned to] be stoned. [That punishment is administered] only when one curses God's name with another one of His unique names.
הלכה י
כָּל הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ בִּרְכַּת הַשֵּׁם חַיָּב לִקְרֹעַ וַאֲפִלּוּ עַל בִּרְכַּת הַכִּנּוּיִין חַיָּב לִקְרֹעַ וְהוּא שֶׁיִּשְׁמָעֶנָּה מִיִּשְׂרָאֵל. אֶחָד הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ וְאֶחָד הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ מִפִּי הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ חַיָּב לִקְרֹעַ. אֲבָל הַשּׁוֹמֵעַ מִפִּי הָעוֹבֵד כּוֹכָבִים אֵינוֹ חַיָּב לִקְרֹעַ. וְלֹא קָרְעוּ אֶלְיָקִים וְשֶׁבְנָא אֶלָּא מִפְּנֵי שֶׁרַבְשָׁקֵה הָיָה יִשְׂרָאֵל מוּמָר. כָּל הָעֵדִים וְהַדַּיָּנִים סוֹמְכִים אֶת יְדֵיהֶם אֶחָד אֶחָד עַל רֹאשׁ הַמְגַדֵּף וְאוֹמֵר לוֹ דָּמְךָ בְּרֹאשְׁךָ שֶׁאַתָּה גָּרַמְתָּ לְךָ. וְאֵין בְּכָל הֲרוּגֵי בֵּית דִּין מִי שֶׁסּוֹמְכִים עָלָיו אֶלָּא מְגַדֵּף בִּלְבַד שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר וְסָמְכוּ כָל הַשֹּׁמְעִים אֶת יְדֵיהֶם:
כסף משנה
10.
Whoever hears the blasphemy of God's name is obligated to rend his garments. Even [when one hears] the blasphemy of other terms used to describe God, one is obligated to rend his garments.The above applies when one hears [the blasphemy] from a fellow Jew. [In that instance,] both one who hears the actual blasphemy and one who hears it from the witnesses is obligated to rend his garments. In contrast, one who hears a gentile [blaspheme God's name] is not obligated to rend his garments. Elyakim and Shevna rent their garments [as described in Isaiah 36:22] only because Ravshakeh was an apostate Jew.
[Before his execution,] all the witnesses and the judges place their hands on the head of the blasphemer and tell him: "You are responsible for your death. You brought it upon yourself." Only a blasphemer - and none of the other offenders executed by the court - has [the judges and witnesses] place their hands upon his head, as [Leviticus 24:14] states: "And all those who hear shall place their hands on his head."