Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'This you shall not do to the Lord your God' mean in Deuteronomy 12:4?
A: This verse warns against destroying or defacing objects associated with serving Hashem (God), such as holy writings or sacred items. Rashi explains that it prohibits erasing God's name or destroying places of worship, even for a noble purpose like building a new one.
Q: Why is Deuteronomy 12:4 important in Judaism?
A: This verse establishes the principle of respect for holy objects (kedushah). The Rambam (Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah 6) derives from here that one must treat anything used for mitzvos with dignity, teaching us to value and protect items connected to divine service.
Q: How does Deuteronomy 12:4 apply today?
A: This verse teaches us proper conduct with holy items: we don't throw away siddurim (prayer books) but bury them in a genizah, we don't casually discard mezuzah scrolls, and we treat Torah scrolls with reverence. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 276) details these practical applications.
Q: What specific actions does Deuteronomy 12:4 forbid?
A: The Talmud (Makkos 22a) specifies that this prohibits erasing any of God's names written in holiness. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 437) extends this to include not destroying synagogues, Torah scrolls, or any objects used for mitzvos when they're still usable.
Q: What lesson can we learn from 'This you shall not do to the Lord your God'?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) teaches that this verse instills awe of Heaven - just as we wouldn't disrespect a king's possessions, we must treat God's sacred items with care. This shapes our attitude toward all mitzvah objects, from tefillin to shul furnishings.
Context of the Verse
The verse "לֹא־תַעֲשׂוּן כֵּן לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם" (Devarim 12:4) appears in the context of Moshe's warning to Bnei Yisrael against adopting the idolatrous practices of the Canaanite nations. The preceding verses discuss the destruction of pagan altars and sacred sites, emphasizing the need to serve Hashem exclusively in the manner He commands.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that the phrase "לֹא־תַעֲשׂוּן כֵּן" refers to the prohibition of erasing Hashem's Name or destroying objects associated with His service (such as a Beit HaMikdash or holy vessels). This is derived from the juxtaposition with the previous verse, which commands the destruction of idolatrous items. Rashi emphasizes that while idolatry must be eradicated, sacred objects dedicated to Hashem must be treated with reverence.
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 6:1-7), the Rambam elaborates on this principle, stating that it is forbidden to destroy any object bearing Hashem's Name or used in His service. This includes not only physical destruction but also any act of disrespect toward holy items. The Rambam connects this mitzvah to the broader obligation of kavod HaShem (honoring Hashem's Name).
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Practical Halachic Implications
Based on this verse and its interpretations, Halacha establishes detailed laws regarding the treatment of holy objects, including:
Philosophical Significance
This commandment underscores the fundamental Jewish concept that our relationship with Hashem must be defined by His Torah, not by human invention. The contrast with idolatrous practices highlights that authentic divine service requires submission to Hashem's will as revealed in Halacha, not emotional or aesthetic considerations alone.