Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'You shall not go after other gods' mean in Deuteronomy 6:14?
A: This verse commands the Jewish people to remain loyal to Hashem (G-d) and not to worship or follow the false deities of other nations. Rashi explains that this includes avoiding any practices or beliefs associated with idolatry, even if they seem culturally common among neighboring peoples.
Q: Why is the prohibition against idolatry so important in Judaism?
A: Idolatry is one of the three cardinal sins in Judaism (along with murder and forbidden relations), for which one must give up their life rather than transgress (Sanhedrin 74a). The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah) explains that rejecting idolatry is fundamental to our covenant with Hashem, as it affirms His absolute unity and our exclusive relationship with Him.
Q: How does the warning about 'gods of the people around you' apply today?
A: The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 11a) teaches that this verse warns against adopting foreign philosophies or values that contradict Torah principles. Today, this can include materialism, secular ideologies, or cultural trends that lead one away from Torah observance. The Sforno adds that we must be vigilant not to justify improper behavior just because it's common in society.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from Deuteronomy 6:14?
A: The Meshech Chochmah teaches that this verse reminds us to maintain our distinct Jewish identity, even when living among other cultures. Just as our ancestors were commanded not to follow Canaanite deities, we must ensure that our values and lifestyle remain rooted in Torah, not swayed by surrounding influences.
Q: Does this verse only forbid actual idol worship?
A: No. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) explains that this prohibition includes any action that shows respect to an idol, such as bowing or offering to it. Additionally, the Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 428) states that even admiring or considering idolatrous philosophies violates the spirit of this commandment.
Prohibition Against Idolatry
The verse "לֹא תֵלְכוּן אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים מֵאֱלֹהֵי הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבוֹתֵיכֶם" (Devarim 6:14) is a clear prohibition against idol worship, a foundational principle in Torah. Rashi explains that the phrase "אַחֲרֵי אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים" ("after other gods") refers not only to worshiping idols but also to adopting the customs and beliefs of idolatrous nations. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zarah 2:1) elaborates that this prohibition includes any form of association with idolatrous practices, whether through action, speech, or even thought.
Danger of Assimilation
The verse specifically warns against the influence of "אֱלֹהֵי הָעַמִּים אֲשֶׁר סְבִיבוֹתֵיכֶם" ("the gods of the peoples around you"). The Sifrei (Devarim 54) emphasizes that the Torah anticipates the temptation to conform to the surrounding cultures. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 61b) teaches that this prohibition applies even if one does not fully believe in the foreign deity but merely follows the practices of the nations to fit in.
Spiritual and National Consequences
The Midrash (Devarim Rabbah 2:25) connects this mitzvah to the broader covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael. Straying after foreign gods is not just a personal sin but a betrayal of the nation's divine mission. The Ramban (Devarim 6:14) adds that idolatry leads to moral and societal decay, as it severs the connection to Hashem’s ethical guidance.
Practical Applications