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Leviticus 18:3 - Reject foreign ways, embrace holiness.

Leviticus 18:3 - ויקרא 18:3

Hebrew Text

כְּמַעֲשֵׂה אֶרֶץ־מִצְרַיִם אֲשֶׁר יְשַׁבְתֶּם־בָּהּ לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ וּכְמַעֲשֵׂה אֶרֶץ־כְּנַעַן אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מֵבִיא אֶתְכֶם שָׁמָּה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ וּבְחֻקֹּתֵיהֶם לֹא תֵלֵכוּ׃

English Translation

After the doings of the land of Miżrayim, in which you dwelt, shall you not do: and after the doings of the land of Kena῾an, into which I bring you, shall you not do: neither shall you walk in their practices.

Transliteration

Kema'aseh eretz-mitzrayim asher yeshavtem-bah lo ta'asu uchma'aseh eretz-kna'an asher ani mevi etchem shamah lo ta'asu uvchukoteihem lo telechu.

Hebrew Leining Text

כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֧ה אֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֛יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשַׁבְתֶּם־בָּ֖הּ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ וּכְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֶֽרֶץ־כְּנַ֡עַן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲנִי֩ מֵבִ֨יא אֶתְכֶ֥ם שָׁ֙מָּה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ וּבְחֻקֹּתֵיהֶ֖ם לֹ֥א תֵלֵֽכוּ׃
כְּמַעֲשֵׂ֧ה אֶֽרֶץ־מִצְרַ֛יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְשַׁבְתֶּם־בָּ֖הּ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ וּכְמַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֶֽרֶץ־כְּנַ֡עַן אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲנִי֩ מֵבִ֨יא אֶתְכֶ֥ם שָׁ֙מָּה֙ לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֔וּ וּבְחֻקֹּתֵיהֶ֖ם לֹ֥א תֵלֵֽכוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context and General Meaning

The verse (Vayikra 18:3) commands Bnei Yisrael to avoid imitating the practices of Mitzrayim (Egypt) and Kena'an (Canaan), where they had lived or were about to settle. This prohibition is part of a broader warning against adopting foreign customs and idolatrous behaviors. The Torah emphasizes that the Jewish people must distinguish themselves through adherence to Hashem's laws rather than conforming to the surrounding cultures.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the "doings of the land of Mitzrayim" and "the land of Kena'an" refer specifically to their immoral and depraved behaviors, which were even worse than those of other nations. He cites the Midrash (Sifra Acharei Mot 9:8) that highlights the Egyptians' and Canaanites' involvement in sexual immorality and idolatry, which were deeply ingrained in their societies. Rashi further notes that the phrase "וּבְחֻקֹּתֵיהֶם לֹא תֵלֵכוּ" ("neither shall you walk in their practices") includes prohibitions against adopting their superficial customs, such as their styles of dress or haircuts, if those customs are tied to immorality or idolatry.

Rambam's Interpretation (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:1)

The Rambam expands on this verse in his discussion of the laws concerning idolatry. He explains that the prohibition against following the "practices of the nations" includes any behavior that mimics their religious or cultural rituals, even if not explicitly idolatrous. This includes superstitions, divination, and other foreign customs that lack a rational basis and are rooted in non-Jewish belief systems. The Rambam stresses that Jews must conduct themselves with wisdom and holiness, separate from the ways of the nations.

Midrashic Insights (Sifra and Vayikra Rabbah)

  • The Sifra teaches that the verse warns against adopting the "hidden" sins of these nations—those that may not be outwardly visible but corrupt society from within.
  • Vayikra Rabbah (23:9) compares the behavior of Mitzrayim and Kena'an to a "stained garment," implying that their customs were spiritually defiling and unfit for Bnei Yisrael, who are called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Shemot 19:6).

Practical Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 178:1) and later poskim derive from this verse that Jews must avoid customs associated with idolatry or immorality, even if they seem culturally neutral. This includes:

  • Not imitating non-Jewish religious ceremonies (e.g., adopting holiday practices with pagan origins).
  • Avoiding dress or hairstyles specifically tied to idolatrous cultures.
  • Rejecting societal norms that conflict with Torah values, such as unethical business practices or inappropriate relationships.

Spiritual Lesson

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this mitzvah serves as a reminder that the Jewish people's mission is to elevate the physical world through Torah and mitzvot, not to assimilate into foreign value systems. By rejecting the ways of Mitzrayim and Kena'an, Bnei Yisrael affirm their unique role as bearers of divine morality in the world.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sifra Acharei Mot, Chapter 13
The verse is cited in the Sifra (a halachic midrash on Leviticus) in the context of discussing prohibitions against following the practices of Egypt and Canaan, emphasizing the need for Israel to maintain distinct religious and moral standards.
📖 Yoma 67b
The Talmud references this verse in discussing the concept of 'chukim' (statutes) and why certain commandments were given, contrasting Israel's laws with those of Egypt and Canaan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Leviticus 18:3 mean?
A: Leviticus 18:3 instructs the Jewish people not to follow the immoral practices of Egypt (where they lived) or Canaan (where they were going). Rashi explains that this verse warns against adopting the corrupt customs and idolatrous ways of these nations. The Torah emphasizes the importance of maintaining Jewish values and not assimilating into surrounding cultures.
Q: Why is Leviticus 18:3 important?
A: This verse is important because it establishes a key principle in Judaism: separation from negative influences. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) teaches that a person is influenced by their environment, so we must be careful not to adopt behaviors contrary to Torah values. This commandment helps preserve Jewish identity and morality.
Q: What can we learn from Leviticus 18:3 today?
A: Today, this verse teaches us to be mindful of cultural influences that may conflict with Torah values. Just as the Israelites were warned against Egyptian and Canaanite practices, we must evaluate modern societal norms against Jewish law and ethics. The Sforno notes that this mitzvah applies in all times and places.
Q: How does Leviticus 18:3 apply to living among non-Jews?
A: The verse doesn't prohibit living among non-Jews, but warns against adopting their forbidden practices. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 36a) discusses how to interact with surrounding cultures while maintaining Jewish law. We must be part of society without compromising Torah standards in business, dress, or behavior.
Q: What specific practices was Leviticus 18:3 referring to?
A: Rashi and the Ramban explain this primarily refers to idolatry and sexual immorality, which were prevalent in Egypt and Canaan. The verses that follow (Leviticus 18:4-30) detail specific prohibited relationships. The Midrash (Sifra Acharei Mot) also mentions that these cultures engaged in witchcraft and child sacrifice.