Torah Portion: Kedoshim

“אל תפנו אל האלילים” (ויקרא יט ד)

It is a negative commandment to stray after idols, in thought and speech, or even to look at them, so that the one does not come to worship it, as it is written, Do not turn to false gods (Vayikra 19:4). Our Sages said: If you “turn to them,” you will make them “into gods.” Meaning, if you become involved in them—thinking about the insane beliefs that their  adherents claim; that a certain star or constellation will do such-and-such, or that by burning a certain incense or doing some worship, or that you gaze upon their forms of worship—it will cause you to succumb to it and worship it. As mentioned, even gazing at it is forbidden, because that is a cause erring after it. In addition, it is to prevent a person from neglecting serving Hashem for some time while he is involved in those empty diversions, whereas man was created only for the sake of serving his Creator.

The root of the mitzvah of avoiding idols is well-known to all.

This prohibition applies in all places and at all times, to both men and women.