Mitzvah —
236
Not to crossbreed animals
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אֶֽת־חֻקֹּתַי֮ תִּשְׁמֹ֒רוּ֒ בְּהֶמְתְּךָ֙ לֹא־תַרְבִּ֣יעַ כִּלְאַ֔יִם שָׂדְךָ֖ לֹא־תִזְרַ֣ע כִּלְאָ֑יִם וּבֶ֤גֶד כִּלְאַ֙יִם֙ שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז לֹ֥א יַעֲלֶ֖ה עָלֶֽיךָ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת קְדשִׁים
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Leviticus 19:19 - "You shall observe My statutes: You shall not crossbreed your livestock with different species. You shall not sow your field with a mixture of seeds, and a garment which has a mixture of shaatnez shall not come upon you."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Agriculture – חַקְלָאוּת
It is forbidden to mate animals of different species.
This mitzvah prohibits crossbreeding animals, such as pairing a horse with a donkey or other incompatible species. Like agricultural kilayim, it teaches respect for the natural distinctions Hashem established in creation.
The Torah frames it as a chok (statute beyond human reasoning), reminding us that not every mitzvah is rooted in pragmatic concerns but in sanctifying boundaries that reflect Divine wisdom. This mitzvah also emphasizes the integrity of each species and prevents tampering with creation’s balance.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 9:1): States that mating two species is forbidden whether naturally or by force, even if the offspring cannot reproduce.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 244): Explains that the root is to honor Divine distinctions in creation, teaching us discipline in respecting boundaries.
- Talmud (Bava Kama 55a): Discusses penalties for those who mate animals improperly.
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:19): Interprets kilayim as a decree to respect the separations Hashem set in the natural world.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rashi (Leviticus 19:19) explains that the prohibition of animal crossbreeding is a chok — a decree whose reason is not fully revealed. Faith is shown by obeying Hashem’s will even when the purpose is beyond human understanding.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 244) writes that observing kilayim laws, including animal breeding, sanctifies creation by respecting the separations Hashem established. Holiness is preserved through maintaining natural order.
Animals – בְּהֵמוֹת
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 9:1) rules that it is forbidden to mate two animals of different species, whether naturally or by force. This emphasizes the mitzvah’s direct application to the treatment of animals.
Kilayim – כִּלְאַיִם
- Talmud (Bava Kama 55a) states that penalties apply for causing animals of different species to mate. This shows how seriously the Torah regards the preservation of natural boundaries under the broader laws of kilayim.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Sefer HaChinuch explains that part of this mitzvah is to train us in self-restraint and fairness, not to distort creation for personal benefit. Justice here means respecting Hashem’s design rather than manipulating it for gain.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ultimately, this mitzvah is about reverence for Hashem’s order in creation. It is not interpersonal but directed toward G-d, requiring obedience to His decrees in maintaining distinctions within the animal world.
