Negative Commandment #13

Sefer Ha’mitzvos Ha’Katzar (The concise book of mitzvos) By the Chofetz Chaim

This book lists the Torah mitzvos that can be observed today

Second Section – the Negative Commandments

13. It is a negative commandment not to swear in the name of an idol

As it states in Shemos (Exodus) 23:13, “the name of other gods should not be mentioned.” Also, one should not make a vow in the name of an idol. Included in this law is not to make a non-Jew swear in the name of what he fears. It is also forbidden to mention an idol’s name even if it is not in the context of a vow. For example, a person should not say to his friend, “meet me at the side of this certain idol,” or something like this. It is permissible to say the name of an idol mentioned in the Written Torah, like “peor”, “bal”, or “nevo”, or others like it. It is forbidden to cause others to vow or swear in the idol’s name.

This applies in all places and at all times, for men and for women.

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