Leviticus 20:23 - Reject foreign ways, embrace holiness.

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Hebrew Text

וְלֹא תֵלְכוּ בְּחֻקֹּת הַגּוֹי אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִי מְשַׁלֵּחַ מִפְּנֵיכֶם כִּי אֶת־כָּל־אֵלֶּה עָשׂוּ וָאָקֻץ בָּם׃

English Translation

And you shall not walk in the practices of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

Transliteration

Ve'lo telekhu bekukot hagoy asher-ani meshaley'akh mipneykhem ki et-kol-eleh asu va'akutz bam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְלֹ֤א תֵֽלְכוּ֙ בְּחֻקֹּ֣ת הַגּ֔וֹי אֲשֶׁר־אֲנִ֥י מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ מִפְּנֵיכֶ֑ם כִּ֤י אֶת־כׇּל־אֵ֙לֶּה֙ עָשׂ֔וּ וָאָקֻ֖ץ בָּֽם׃

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Following Gentile Practices

The verse (Vayikra 20:23) commands Bnei Yisrael not to adopt the practices of the nations that Hashem is driving out before them. Rashi explains that this refers specifically to their immoral and idolatrous customs, which were abhorrent to Hashem. The term "חֻקֹּת" (chukot) implies deeply ingrained societal norms, not merely superficial behaviors.

Reason for the Prohibition

The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 11:1) elaborates that these nations engaged in corrupt practices, including idol worship, forbidden relationships, and cruelty. The phrase "וָאָקֻץ בָּם" (I abhorred them) indicates that these actions were so detestable that they caused their expulsion from the land. The Sforno adds that imitating such behaviors would undermine the moral and spiritual distinctiveness of Am Yisrael.

Halachic Implications

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 262) teaches that this prohibition extends to any non-Jewish custom that reflects their idolatrous or immoral worldview, even if not explicitly tied to avodah zarah.
The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 178:1) rules that Jews must distinguish themselves in dress, speech, and conduct to avoid assimilation.
The Chatam Sofer cautions that adopting foreign practices can lead to a weakening of Torah observance over time.

Contemporary Application

The Mishnah Berurah (Orach Chaim 301:45) discusses how this principle applies to avoiding customs that originate from non-Jewish religious or cultural contexts. Poskim emphasize that not all secular practices are forbidden, but those with roots in avodah zarah or that conflict with Torah values must be rejected.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Avodah Zarah 11a

The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the prohibition against adopting the customs and practices of idolatrous nations.

📖 Sifra Kedoshim 9:11

The verse is cited in a discussion about the importance of maintaining distinct Jewish practices and avoiding assimilation into non-Jewish cultures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'walk in the practices of the nation' mean in Leviticus 20:23?
A: The verse warns against adopting the immoral or idolatrous customs of the nations that inhabited the Land of Israel before the Jewish people. Rashi explains that this refers to their corrupt behaviors and idol worship, which were abhorrent to Hashem. The Torah instructs us to maintain our distinct Jewish way of life.

Q: Why does the verse say Hashem 'abhorred' the nations?
A: Hashem abhorred these nations because of their sinful actions, particularly idolatry and immoral practices (as mentioned earlier in Leviticus 20). The Rambam (Hilchos Avodas Kochavim 11:1) teaches that these nations had customs designed to lead people away from proper service of Hashem, which is why we must distance ourselves from such influences.

Q: How does Leviticus 20:23 apply to Jews today?
A: The verse teaches us to maintain Jewish identity and avoid assimilating into non-Jewish cultures when those cultures conflict with Torah values. The Sforno explains that we must be careful not to imitate foreign practices that contradict Torah principles, even if they seem appealing or commonplace in society.

Q: What are examples of 'practices of the nation' we should avoid?
A: Traditional Jewish sources identify these as any customs associated with idolatry or immorality. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 52b) discusses how even seemingly minor practices can be problematic if they originate from idolatrous contexts. Today, this reminds us to evaluate modern trends and ensure they align with Torah values before adopting them.

Q: Why is this commandment placed in the middle of laws about forbidden relationships?
A: Rashi connects this verse to the previous laws about immoral relationships, teaching that these were among the corrupt practices of the Canaanite nations. The placement emphasizes that rejecting foreign practices includes maintaining Torah standards of morality, especially in family and interpersonal relationships.