Mitzvah —
184
Not to eat non-kosher creatures that crawl on land
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וְכׇל־הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ שֶׁ֥קֶץ ה֖וּא לֹ֥א יֵאָכֵֽל׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי
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Leviticus 11:41 - "And any creeping creature that creeps on the ground is an abomination; it shall not be eaten."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
Forbidden to eat crawling creatures that move on the ground.
This mitzvah prohibits eating creeping and crawling creatures of the land, such as snakes, lizards, worms, and similar species. These are called sheketz (abomination) by the Torah and are strictly forbidden for consumption. The prohibition highlights the Torah’s emphasis on holiness in dietary practice, ensuring that Israel avoids foods that degrade the soul and bring impurity.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Ma’achalot Asurot 2:26): Lists all ground-crawling creatures as forbidden to eat, whether large or small.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 161): The root is to distance Israel from lowly and repulsive foods, elevating the nation’s spiritual awareness.
- Talmud (Chullin 67b): Expounds upon the types of crawling creatures included in this prohibition.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
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