EXOD46 We are forbidden to raise our hands to strike someone. The Talmud explains that the person whom Moshe called a rosho (wicked) did not actually strike the other person, but merely raised his hand to do so. Anyone who raises his hand to strike another person is considered wicked, even if he does not actually with the blow fall. Sanhedrin 58b. The Talmud continues that striking an Israelite's cheek is tantamount to striking God. Being called wicked for raising the hand against someone is not an exaggerated or figurative expression. In Jewish law, a person who raises his hand to hit someone is actually invalidated from serving as a witness in court. Choshen Mishpat 34:4