192

Not to eat blood

The Luchos - Ten Commandments

This page is incomplete.
Help complete the
Mitzvah Minute website.

Mitzvah Minute Logo Icon
חֻקַּ֤ת עוֹלָם֙ לְדֹרֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם בְּכֹ֖ל מוֹשְׁבֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם כׇּל־חֵ֥לֶב וְכׇל־דָּ֖ם לֹ֥א תֹאכֵֽלוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת וַיִּקְרָא
Leviticus 3:17 - "[This is] an eternal statute for all your generations, in all your dwelling places: You shall not eat any fat or any blood."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת

Forbidden to eat the blood of any animal or bird.

This mitzvah prohibits the consumption of blood, which the Torah describes as the life-force (nefesh) of the creature. The prohibition applies to domesticated and wild animals as well as birds. Blood must be properly drained through ritual slaughter and salting before meat is permitted for consumption. The Torah repeatedly stresses this command, emphasizing that Israel must elevate the act of eating by avoiding the very essence of animal life.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 6:1): Explains the prohibition against eating blood applies broadly to all animals and birds, and details the methods of removal.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 148): The root is that blood represents the animal’s soul; eating it coarsens the human spirit. By refraining, we refine our souls and honor the sanctity of life.
  • Talmud (Keritot 21a): Lists eating blood as one of the sins punishable by karet (spiritual excision), showing the gravity of this prohibition.
(Source: Chabad.org)

Applying this Mitzvah Today

This Mitzvah's Divrei Torah

“The Covenant of Salt: Why Jewish Life Begins With a Pinch of Salt”

Salt: A Covenant of Permanence, Purity, and Presence

7 - min read

Salt: A Covenant of Permanence, Purity, and Presence

A Sefer Torah
Read
November 12, 2025

Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals

This Mitzvah's Fundamental Badges

Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

Information Icon

Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

View Badge →

Faith - אֱמוּנָה

Information Icon

Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

View Badge →

Justice – צֶדֶק

Information Icon

Mitzvot that uphold fairness, honesty, and moral responsibility. Justice is kindness structured — ensuring that society reflects G-d’s order through truth, equity, and accountability.

View Badge →

Community – קְהִלָּה

Information Icon

Mitzvot that strengthen communal life — showing up, participating, supporting, and belonging. Community is where holiness is shared, prayers are multiplied, and responsibility becomes collective.

View Badge →

Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

Information Icon

Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — expressions of devotion rooted in divine connection.

View Badge →
Mitzvah Minute
Mitzvah Minute Logo

Learn more.

Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.

Luchos
Live a commandment-driven life

Mitzvah

Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.

Learn more

Mitzvah #

1

To know there is a G‑d
The Luchos - Ten Commandments
Learn this Mitzvah

Mitzvah Highlight

Siddur
Connection through Davening

Tefillah

Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.

Learn more

Tefillah

Tefillah sub-header
A Siddur
Learn this Tefillah

Tefillah Focus

A Sefer Torah
Study the weekly Torah portion

Parsha

Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.

Learn more

תּוֹלְדוֹת – Toldot

Haftarah: Malachi 1:1 - 2:7
A Sefer Torah
Learn this Parsha

Weekly Parsha